Workers wrap the glutinous rice dumplings known as zongzi at a factory in Zigui County, Hubei Province on May 26, 2024. /IC

Workers wrap the glutinous rice dumplings known as zongzi at a factory in Zigui County, Hubei Province on May 26, 2024. /IC

Workers make zongzi at a factory in Zigui County, Hubei Province on May 26, 2024. /IC

Workers make zongzi at a factory in Zigui County, Hubei Province on May 26, 2024. /IC

A worker works at a zongzi factory in Zigui County, Hubei Province on May 26, 2024. /IC

A worker works at a zongzi factory in Zigui County, Hubei Province on May 26, 2024. /IC

Freshly produced zongzi are pictured at a factory in Zigui County, Hubei Province on May 26, 2024. /IC

Freshly produced zongzi are pictured at a factory in Zigui County, Hubei Province on May 26, 2024. /IC

With the Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Duanwu Festival, just around the corner, production of festive zongzi is in full swing in Zigui County, Hubei Province – the birthplace of poet and politician Qu Yuan, who lived during the Warring States Period (475-221 BC). These sticky rice dumplings are the signature food of the festival, which is held annually in memory of Qu Yuan.

Workers have been busy crafting a variety of uniquely flavored zongzi to meet the demands of the festival market. Notable local specialties include zongzi filled with navel oranges, yellow peaches, or honey dates, each with its own distinctive flavor.