Tracing the Fire Dragon’s Footsteps – A Cultural Walk through Tai Hang

Step off the beaten path to walk in the footsteps of dragons.

Once a year, a rattan dragon the length of a passenger jet visits the small neighbourhood of Tai Hang, winding its way down the narrow streets. Thousands of burning incense sticks line its sides; hundreds of neighbourhood performers shoulder its body. This spectacular Mid-Autumn tradition is called the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance – a nationally recognised practice of intangible cultural heritage that continues to unite generations of local residents today.

Explore the fascinating origins of this annual parade by tracing the dragon’s footsteps through the close-knit neighbourhood that created it. From traditional tea stalls to local gathering spots, you’ll experience some of the customs, memories, and community spirit that have shaped this vibrant district for more than a century, while gaining a lasting glimpse of the city’s continual evolution and its contrast between heritage and contemporary urban life.