Unlike traditional pyramid-shaped zongzi, Suichang zongzi is straight and long. [Photo/lsnews.com.cn]

With the Dragon Boat Festival around the corner, different kinds of zongzi, a traditional Chinese rice dumpling wrapped in leaves, are appearing on the dining tables of households all over China.

In Suichang county in Lishui, Zhejiang province, the zongzi are quite different in shape, filling and wrapping technique from those in other areas.

The glutinous rice used to make Suichang zongzi is first soaked in black tea to not only reduce the greasy taste of ordinary zongzi, but also to give the Suichang version a mellow tea fragrance.

Unlike traditional pyramid-shaped zongzi, Suichang zongzi is straight and long, like a thick stick. Large pieces of pork are placed evenly in every part of the cylindrical zongzi, making them suitable for sharing.