A variety of activities are planned across China to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, which starts today.

The Festival, which falls on the fifth of May on the Lunar Calendar, is in memory of great ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan.

Besides the popular dragaon boat races and Zongzi, the traditional food, a glutinous rice ball, with a filling, wrapped in bamboo leaves, more activities are held nationwide.

In Beijing, more than 100 poets have gathered for a three-day seminar to study the poems of Qu Yuan.

The Chinese capital will also host a carnival and a seminar as well, both focusing on folk customs during the festival.

In Qu Yuan's hometown in central China's Hubei Province, the first national dragon boat cultural festival will be held.

The festival features traditional dancing, a poem writing competition and a series of traditional sacrificial activities in commemoration of Qu Yuan.

Moreover, online services are available this year for people to remember Qu Yuan. People can read about his life and study his poems online.

People can even send virtual Zongzi, to him at quyuan.net or quyuan.com, a special website devoted to Qu Yuan.

Officials say the variety of celebrations is connected with increasing awareness among the public about preserving traditional culture.

(CRI.com June 22, 2004)