Every spring, residents of Hong Kong celebrate the life of Chinese national hero Qu Yuan with an amazing spectacle of color and water. According to legend, Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Mi Lo River over 2,000 years ago as a protest against corrupt rulers. So concerned were the townspeople who loved him that they raced out onto the river in swift boats, banging drums and throwing food into the water so the fish wouldn't eat Yuan's body. That fateful journey of respect and loyalty by the townspeople became a legend that's been reenacted ever since. These days, Hong Kong is a glimmering tribute to the future, but the past comes alive during the annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival (June 8, 2008), as teams from the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Association race against each other in colorful dragon boats. The winning team gets the respect and admiration of the crowd, and the honor of having paid tribute to a Chinese legend. In addition to the boat races, visitors will find a wide assortment of cultural entertainment and plenty of great food. Guests at the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers and Le Meridien Cyberport might want to check out this fascinating festival.
