Heritage

Dragon Boat Festival 端午节
The Dragon Boat Festival (端午节, Duānwǔ Jié) is closely associated with Qu Yuan (c. 340–278 BCE), a revered minister and poet of the Kingdom of Chu in ancient China. Qu Yuan cared deeply for his country and its people, proposing reforms that angered the king, leading to his exile. While exiled, he composed poetry expressing his patriotism and concern for the state. When the capital of Chu was later captured, Qu Yuan, in despair, drowned himself in the Mi Luo River.
The locals, who greatly admired him, raced out in boats to try to rescue him, throwing parcels of steamed glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves—now known as zòngzi (粽子)—into the river to keep fish from disturbing his body. This act became the origin of the traditions now practiced during the Dragon Boat Festival. Aside from enjoying zòngzi, people also hold dragon boat races in memory of Qu Yuan's devotion and to symbolize their attempt to save him more than 2,000 years ago.
To learn more, check out Dragon Boat Festival by UNSCO, or visit Wikipedia.