Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the cultural significance and rich history of Yueyang, particularly during the Dragon Boat Festival, emphasizing its connection to Qu Yuan and the unique local traditions that have been preserved over centuries [1][2][3]. Group 1: Cultural Significance - Yueyang is celebrated for its vibrant Dragon Boat Festival, which features traditional activities such as dragon boat racing, making zongzi, and performing local operas, comparable in importance to the Spring Festival [2][3]. - The Qu Yuan Cultural Park hosts solemn rituals during the festival, allowing visitors to engage in traditional practices that honor Qu Yuan, including dragon head lifting and incense burning [2][3]. - The local customs and the recognition of the Dragon Boat Festival as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage highlight the enduring legacy of Qu Yuan's spirit in the region [3]. Group 2: Historical Context - Yueyang, with over 2,500 years of history, is strategically located at the confluence of rivers, making it a significant port city in China [1]. - The Yueyang Tower, a historical structure, has been rebuilt multiple times due to wars, with the current version reflecting Qing Dynasty architecture [4]. - The tower's literary significance is underscored by famous poets like Li Bai and Fan Zhongyan, who have immortalized its beauty in their works [4][5]. Group 3: Local Cuisine - The article describes the unique culinary offerings of Yueyang, particularly the "Niu Jiao Zong" (cow horn zongzi), which is made with specific ingredients and is a local delicacy [6]. - Yueyang cuisine is characterized by its emphasis on freshwater fish, with the "Baling Whole Fish Banquet" being a notable traditional feast that showcases various fish dishes [6]. - The influence of barbecue culture in Yueyang, which has evolved from local adaptations, reflects the city's culinary diversity and the integration of different cooking styles [7].