[5] It is customary to climb a mountain,[6][7] drink chrysanthemum liquor,[6][7] and wear the zhuyu (茱萸) plant (Cornus officinalis).

[8] The origins of the festival date back as early as the Warring States period[9] According to legend, the traditions of hiking and drinking chrysanthemum wine on this day began with the Han dynasty man Fei Changfang [zh] and his disciple Huan Jing [zh].

As part of Empress Lü's jealous plot against Consort Qi, the latter's maid was forced out of the imperial palace.

[5] In 1966, Taiwan rededicated the holiday as "Senior Citizens' Day",[11] underscoring one custom as it is observed in Mainland China, where the festival is also an opportunity to care for and appreciate the elderly.

[4][13] Other activities include flying kites, making flower cakes, and welcoming married daughters back home for visiting.

[13] Stores sell rice cakes (糕 "gāo", a homophone for height 高) with mini colorful flags to represent zhuyu.