Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance lights up Hong Kong for Mid-Autumn Festival
(Photo credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board)
The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance will once again illuminate Hong Kong’s Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations from October 5-7, as the 146-year-old tradition transforms the Tai Hang neighborhood into a glowing cultural spectacle.
Recognized on China’s Third National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the event features a 67-meter-long fire dragon adorned with more than 12,000 incense sticks, carried by around 300 performers through Wun Sha Street and Tung Lo Wan Road. First staged in 1880, the ritual has become a treasured symbol of blessings, health, and peace for the community.
New installations and performances enrich the celebrations
Beyond the fire dragon procession, this year’s festivities will showcase a giant inflatable moon atop the Chinese Recreation Club, decorative streetscapes, and martial arts demonstrations. Younger generations will also perform small LED dragon dances on October 3 and 4, adding a modern touch to the centuries-old custom.
Visitors can start celebrating early at Victoria Park beginning September 30, with history wall displays, photo spots featuring dragon artifacts, and cultural showcases highlighting the event’s heritage.
Heritage centre offers cultural immersion
Those seeking a deeper connection can visit the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Heritage Centre on School Street, housed in a Grade 3 Historic Building. The centre features exhibitions, artifacts, and stories about the fire dragon’s role in Hakka culture, alongside a restaurant serving authentic Hakka cuisine.
