China: Nationwide Qingming Festival celebrations April 5-7

Event

China will celebrate the Qingming Festival from Thursday, April 5, through Saturday, April 7. As the Qingming Festival is a national holiday in China, many citizens will use the long weekend to go on holiday. According to government officials, the risk of major traffic accidents increases by around 11.4 percentage points during the festival. To minimize traffic congestion, additional shuttle services to and from cemetery parks across the country will be offered.

Increased congestion at travel hubs, demand for hotels (and higher prices), and traffic congestion is to be anticipated, along with business, store, and government office closures. In addition, due to the festival, road checkpoints on the China-Kyrgyzstan border will be closed from April 5 through, April 8, while checkpoints on the China-Mongolia border will be closed on April 5. Nevertheless, rail and air travel between China, Mongolia, and Kyrgyzstan will operate on normal schedules.

Context

Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, usually takes place for three days in mid-April beginning on the second of 24 solar terms on the traditional Chinese solar calendar. During the festival, people commemorate and show respect to their ancestors by visiting their graves, offering food, burning incense, and sweeping the tombs.

Advice

Individuals present in China should remain alert, follow all instructions issued by authorities, and avoid particularly crowded areas, due in part to the risk of stampede associated with extremely crowded conditions. Remain on guard against petty crime, which typically rises in large crowds. In addition, individuals should anticipate transportation disruptions and plan ahead for severe congestion and delays.