Dragon boat races have been held across China to mark the Dragon Boat Festival, which is being celebrated today.

According to China Central Television (CCTV), the festival is observed on the fifth day of the fifth month in the Chinese lunar calendar in commemoration of the ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan from the Warring States Period (475-221 B.C.).

In Danzao Town, Foshan City, south China’s Guangdong Province, more than 160 one-person dragon boats competed in a 13-kilometre race on Saturday.

In Shangli County, east China’s Jiangxi Province, more than 500 contestants from 18 teams engaged in a fierce dragon boat race on Wednesday to celebrate the festival.

In Ding’an County, south China’s Hainan Province, a dragon boat race was held on Thursday, immersing residents and tourists in the dragon boat culture and festive vibe.

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Duanwu Festival, has become a national holiday characterised by eating Zongzi, a pyramid-shaped dumpling made of glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves, and enjoying dragon boat races.