The Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, is a cherished traditional holiday in China that seamlessly blends commemoration with celebration. This year, the three-day Qingming Festival holidays, which began on Thursday, saw millions across the country paying tribute to their ancestors while also taking the opportunity to enjoy the blossoming spring season.
According to data from the Ministry of Transport, an estimated 297 million passenger trips were made on the first day of the holiday. This massive movement highlights the festival's significance in bringing families together and fostering communal bonds.
Funeral activities, a central aspect of Qingming, also saw a notable increase. The Ministry of Civil Affairs reported that 57,600 funeral institutions across the nation facilitated around 24.73 million passenger trips on Thursday alone, marking an increase of 9.76 million compared to last year.
Beyond the solemn rituals, Qingming Festival serves as a prime time for leisure and travel. Statistics from Qunar, a leading online travel agency in China, revealed that ticket bookings in popular cities surged by 1.3 times year-on-year. Additionally, hotel bookings in major urban centers like Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou nearly doubled, reflecting the holiday's role in boosting local tourism and the economy.
For young global citizens and travelers alike, Qingming Festival offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and the chance to explore China's vibrant spring landscapes. Whether honoring family traditions or embarking on new adventures, the festival remains a pivotal event in China's annual calendar.
Reference(s):
Honoring ancestors and spring outings mark Qingming Festival holidays
cgtn.com
