With a long history, she fan is a traditional food for ethnic groups including the Tujia, Miao and Dong to worship gods of land and grain. It is mainly served on the She Day — the fifth Wu day after the Start of Spring, also known locally as "observing the She Festival". Since Wu corresponds to earth in traditional Chinese culture, the day is dedicated to the God of Earth. People pray for good harvests and family well-being.

The Tujia people attach great importance to this festival, and every household makes fragrant she fan. Ancient poems vividly depict the joyous occasion.

Pick fresh wormwood from fields, streamsides and hills. Rinse, chop, squeeze out bitter juice and dry slightly. Mix it with wild garlic, shepherd’s purse, dried cured tofu and preserved meat, then steam or braise together with glutinous rice (regular rice can also be used after being half-cooked). The rice is soft, fragrant and delicious, suitable for people of all ages.

Locals often present she fan as a gift to relatives and friends. The folk saying "You give away all your own, yet receive more than you can finish from others" fully reflects the simple and hospitable nature of the Tujia people.

Wormwood also has medicinal properties. Cold in nature, it helps prevent and relieve injuries, swelling, tuberculosis, malaria, dysentery and hemorrhoids. Therefore, she fan is a classic medicinal diet in Tujia traditional cuisine.