Rowers test speed and skills at a Dragon Boat Festival celebration in Chun'an county, Hangzhou, June 18. The race is a much-observed tradition during the festival, with numerous rowers taking part. It can be dated back to the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC). [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

A girl has her forehead painted with the Chinese character for "king" using realgar wine. The character resembles the patterns on tigers' foreheads, which in Chinese culture are a fierce and powerful symbol. The wine is believed by locals to help drive away evil and illness. Wormwood is also one of the favorite festival celebrations as the plant helps expel parasites, clear dampness, and serve as an herbal ingredient. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Wearing a sachet filled with herbal medicines is a feast not only for the eyes, but also for the mind and soul. Parents like to put sachets on their children to help drive away mosquitoes and other insects. Younger generations have also endowed the ancient accessory with many modern qualities. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Red bean paste, fresh meat, ham and egg yolk are the four kinds ingredients for an authentic Hangzhou zongzi. For zongzi filled with meat, local residents prefer a salty flavor that must have glutinous rice soaked in soy sauce and streaky pork with layers of fat and lean meat. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Women prepare tea and pastries for Dragon Boat Festival celebrations. Touhu, or pitch-pot, is a modern derivative from the ancient archery practice of shooting five toxicants to expel illness and seek health. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]