China prepares for Dragon Boat Festival

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Play VideoChinese Dragon Boat Festival nears

The whole country is in a festive mood, as this year's Dragon Boat Festival draws nearer. The festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, to commemorate a patriotic poet who lived more than 2,000 years ago. This year the festival falls on Thursday.

Dragon boat races are the most exciting part of the festival.

In the southern city of Zhuhai, a competition even attracts teams from abroad.

Altogether, more than 400 athletes competed in the race.

And in the coastal city of Xiamen, this race is between teams from each side of the Taiwan Straits, bring extra meaning to the competition.

Taiwan team leader said, "We've been actively participating in sports competitions between two sides of the Straits. Through that, I think communications between us can become closer."

Rice dumplings with fancy packaging used to be  popular gifts during the festival.