Full coverage: Dragon Boat Festival

It's not the people of Guizhou who are getting excited about the Dragon Boat Festival, which is just around the corner. Beijing is getting ready to welcome it's favorite holiday too. The traditional Chinese event features numerous folk activities as well as its famous Dragon boat race.

A total of 22 teams representing different companies in Beijing's Xicheng District took part in the dragon boat competition at the famous tourist spot of Shichahai lake on Friday morning.

A total of 22 teams representing different companies in Beijing's Xicheng District took part in the dragon boat competition at the famous tourist spot of Shichahai lake on Friday morning.

The rowers had the strenuous task of paddling to the rhythm of drumbeats to keep them at a fast pace and despite the element of competition involved, for some, it's about the experience, not the winning.

"I'm very satisfied with our performance. I tried my best. It doesn't matter if we win or not, it's the taking part that counts," said a man.

Over on the other side of the scenic location, residents are enjoyed a variety of traditional folk activities including the lion dance, knitting traditional accessories, "ice football" and making "Zongzi", something quintessential for the festival.

"I just made a little 'zongzi' from paper on this table. I have a small child at home, so I want to show this to him so that he can learn our cultural traditions," said a man.

Also known as Duanwu, The Dragon Boat Festival falls on June 9th this year. Its celebrated annually on the fifth day of the fifth month during the Chinese lunar calendar to commemorate the death of patriotic poet Qu Yuan who was also minister of the Chu state in central China during the Warring States Period from 475 BC -- 221 BC.