The annual holiday is to commemorate the life of scholar and poet Qu Yuan, who lived between 340 and 278BC, during the State of Chu. The annual holiday is to commemorate the life of scholar and poet Qu Yuan, who lived between 340 and 278BC, during the State of Chu. 4to40.com May 30, 2017 1,009 Views Share Facebook Twitter Stumbleupon LinkedIn Pinterest