A dragon boat can be up to 12 metres long. Each paddler sits in a pair and dips their paddle into the water in time with the drummer. The drummer's job is to keep the beat steady and call out to the team. The faster the drum beats, the faster the team paddles. Staying perfectly in time is the key to winning.
Dragon boat races happen during the Tuen Ng Festival (also called the Dragon Boat Festival) on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. In Hong Kong, races take place in harbours across the territory - in Stanley, Aberdeen and other waterfront areas. Crowds line the banks to cheer.
The tradition comes from an ancient story about a poet named Qu Yuan who people admired greatly. When he was very sad, the local people raced out in boats to help him. Today the festival remembers that act of care and community.
Hong Kong's dragon boat teams compete internationally. The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in Victoria Harbour attracts teams from dozens of countries every year. It is one of the biggest international dragon boat events in the world.