Shangri-La Group debuts ‘Dragonbeat’ with resounding success | News
Shangri-La Group (“Shangri-La” or the “Group”), title sponsor of the Shangri-La Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships, successfully presented its first Dragon Boat Festival program, Dragonbeat, yesterday at Stanley Main Beach. The program combines sports, culture, gastronomy and entertainment and included the highly anticipated dragon boat races, the Shangri-La Taste of Hong Kong Food Fair and the debut Dragonbeat After Party. Thanks to the Group’s signature Asian hospitality, the day provided a rich and multi-layered Dragon Boat Festival experience for the community and visitors alike.
To mark the occasion, Hui Kuok, Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of Shangri-La Group and Nee Chuan Teo, Chief Financial Officer of Shangri-La Group, together with Sandy Cheung JP, District Officer for Southern District, Alson Wong, Chairman of the Stanley Residents Association and Eileen Gu, Olympic Ski Champion and Shangri-La Dragonbeat Ambassador, were present as officiating guests for the dazzling ceremony of the Shangri-La Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships and the Dragonbeat Activation Ceremony, which turned the Dragon Boat Festival into a citywide celebration that combined cultural depth with an international appeal.
Hui Kuok, Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of Shangri-La Group, said: “Shangri-La’s enduring purpose has always been to serve as a bridge for cultural exchange. Hong Kong is a vibrant international city and Stanley Bay is home to unique cultural memories. This sponsorship is not just about supporting a race, it is about creating a cultural IP that belongs to Hong Kong. I hope that everyone will not only enjoy the exciting races, but also experience Shangri-La’s Dragonbeat After Party and will enjoy authentic local flavors, feel Hong Kong’s unique cultural charm together. Let’s feel the energy of Hong Kong – let the world hear the heartbeat of Dragonbeat!’
On that day, the premier Shangri-La Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships brought together 185 teams and 4,000 athletes on Stanley Main Beach, creating an adrenaline-charged competitive buzz at the Dragon Boat Festival. Eileen Gu, Olympic gold medalist and freestyle skier who serves as Shangri-La Dragonbeat ambassador, also watched the races in person for the first time. She said: “This interdisciplinary collaboration is particularly meaningful to me. On the ski course I am constantly pushing my personal boundaries; on the dragon boat course I see the power of teamwork. At its core, the spirit of sport is universal: we give everything, break boundaries and create miracles through faith. I am also excited to join everyone here cheering on the rowers and enjoying rice dumplings and local delicacies. I hope that through Dragonbeat, more people can appreciate the depth of traditional Asian culture, a vibrant and colorful way to celebrate the festival and share the joy together, encouraging more people to connect with Hong Kong and dragon boat culture.”
Shangri-La Taste of Hong Kong Food Fair showcases local and international flavors; Dragonbeat After Party emphasizes the cosmopolitan energy of the city
The Shangri-La Taste of Hong Kong Food Fair emerged as another major highlight. In addition to showcasing the craftsmanship and signature creations of Shangri-La’s culinary teams, the Food Fair also brought together a curated line-up of renowned local and international F&B brands, offering visitors a one-stop gastronomic experience and further underscoring Hong Kong’s well-deserved reputation as a ‘Culinary Capital’. After the races, the first Dragonbeat After Party brought the festive atmosphere to a new high. Set against a beachside backdrop and driven by pulsating beats and upbeat rhythms, the party introduced a refreshing, contemporary way to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, highlighting Hong Kong’s diverse, cosmopolitan charm as an international metropolis.
Dragonbeat is also brought to life through collaborations with Hong Kong artist Jim Lee and GROCERY, a Hong Kong-based fashion and lifestyle brand. Jim Lee designed the Dragonbeat logo, reinterpreting the traditional dragon with bold ink strokes that convey vitality, strength and prosperity; his artwork also expanded to 12 dragon boats via race day stickers, turning the waters around Stanley Main Beach into a moving open-air art gallery. A limited-edition Dragonbeat Capsule Collection, developed in collaboration with GROCERY, featuring a washed heavyweight T-shirt and tote bag, carries the spirit of the festival beyond the racecourse and into everyday life.
