屈原 (Qu Yuan) was a famous Chinese poet and statesman from the Warring States period of the Zhou Dynasty. He is best known for his work in the collection of poems called Li Sao, which expresses his deep love for his country and his despair over its political corruption. Qu Yuan is often regarded as one of the earliest and most significant poets in Chinese literature. Qu Yuan's life ended tragically when he drowned himself in the Miluo River to protest against the corruption of the ruling class. His death is commemorated during the Duanwu Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, where people race boats and eat zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) in his honor.