Qu Yuan was a famous Chinese poet and statesman who lived during the Warring States period of the Zhou Dynasty. He is best known for his work in the collection of poems called the Li Sao, which expresses his deep love for his country and his despair over its political corruption. Qu Yuan's life and writings have made him a symbol of loyalty and patriotism in Chinese culture. In addition to his literary contributions, Qu Yuan is commemorated during the Duanwu Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival. This festival, celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar, honors his memory with dragon boat races and the eating of zongzi, a traditional sticky rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves.