A woman dips some xionghuang wine on the forehead of a girl during a cultural event in Nantong on June 7, aiming to protect her from disease, poison and evil spirits. [Photo/IC]

It is widely known that holding dragon boat races and making zongzi -- the pyramid-shaped dumplings of glutinous rice wrapped in reed leaves -- are ‘must-do’ highlights of any Dragon Boat Festival, which is marked on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar.

But if you think that is all, you will miss out on a great deal during the traditional holiday.

A folk cultural activity was held in Nantong, in eastern Jiangsu province on June 7, with the aim of popularizing the various ways the ancient Chinese celebrated the festival.

Nearly 100 members from the Taowu Han-style clothing association dressed in traditional Chinese garb and performed ancient ceremonies, including holding sacrificial rituals, using fragrant sachets and washing their hands with artemisiae argyi juice.

According to Chen Yinlong, chairman of the association, the festive routines are different across the country, due to its vast territory and multiple ethnic groups.

But there are some common key activities that are widely observed -- such as hanging wormwood or Acorus calamus on house doors and drinking regular wine, or xionghuang wine. All of these are believed to protect people from disease, poison and evil spirits.