The zongzi from Jiulong village features nine distinct flavors. [Photo/Tide News]

As Dragon Boat Festival approaches, the aroma of zongzi — a traditional Chinese treat made of glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves — fills the air in Quzhou, Zhejiang province.

In Kecheng district's Jiulong village, the tradition of making the jiuzi zongzi, or nine-flavor zongzi, has been preserved for over two centuries.

This unique zongzi variety features nine distinct flavors, including pickled vegetables, taro, and salted egg yolk. Each flavor is identified by a different colored thread, and the zongzi are strung together, symbolizing success in all endeavors.

In 2019, the craft of making the nine-flavor zongzi was recognized as part of the seventh batch of representative intangible cultural heritage items in Kecheng district.