China: Transport and business disruptions possible nationwide surrounding Qingming Festival April 4

Event

China will commemorate Qingming April 4. The government has declared April 3-5 as official holidays, and many businesses and most government facilities will close for the holiday period. Traditionally during Qingming, millions of people tend to their ancestors' gravesites. Reports indicate more than 100 million people will take trips through the extended festival period ending April 18, though most travel will take place during the holiday period. Some cemeteries offer cleaning services to reduce the influx of visitors; a reservation system remains in place for a second year, and local authorities must limit capacity at outdoor cemeteries to 70-percent capacity and indoor facilities to 50-percent capacity. Increased security and localized transport disruptions are likely near cemeteries.

Private vehicle use will probably spike dramatically and may cause significant congestion on national highways, as well as an increase in accidents. Traffic disruptions are likely even in relatively remote communities, as many people will visit ancestral villages and tombs in rural areas. The high volume of passengers could also affect rail, bus, and airline networks, though severe disruptions are less likely.

The holiday also carries an increased risk of fires, especially in forested areas, as many participants will burn symbolic paper offerings to their ancestors. Officials in Yunnan and Sichuan have banned this symbolic burning during the holiday in recent years amid a heightened threat of wildfires.

Advice

Confirm all rail, bus, and airline reservations. Allow additional time for travel. Drive defensively due to heavy traffic on major thoroughfares and consider minimizing unnecessary driving on days before and after the holiday observance. Exercise increased caution in rural areas due to the elevated risk of fires.