A discovery of more than 2,000-year-old Zongzi, a traditional Chinese rice dumpling and an iconic food for the Dragon Boat festival has been made in Central China's Henan Province. Photo: Henan Daily

A discovery of more than 2,000-year-old Zongzi, a traditional Chinese rice dumpling and iconic food for the Dragon Boat festival, has been made in Central China's Henan Province. These circular plant-wrapped foods found in ancient tombs are believed to be the oldest Zongzi ever unearthed in the country.

The tombs where these plant-wrapped items were found are believed to be tombs of noble individuals from the mid-Warring States period (475BC-221BC). 

Among the discoveries, 40 intact circular packages were tightly wrapped in large plant leaves and tied with hemp ropes or stems, forming a cake-like circular shape.

The diameter of these packages is approximately 10 to 15 centimeters, with a thickness of three to five centimeters. It is speculated that these plant-wrapped items were grouped together and strung or tied onto tree branches.

"It is truly awe-inspiring to believe that even after 2,000 years, we are still enjoying the tradition of eating Zongzi. It is a remarkable testament to the enduring nature of cultural heritage," a netizen commented.