China: Transport and business disruptions likely nationwide during Qingming Festival April 5

Event

China will commemorate Qingming nationwide April 5. Traditionally during Qingming, hundreds of millions of people tend to their ancestors' grave sites. The government has declared April 5 as an official holiday, and many businesses and most government facilities will close. Localized transport disruptions are likely near cemeteries.

Large numbers of people travel before, during, and after Qingming. Private vehicle use will probably spike dramatically and may cause significant congestion on national highways and 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. 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.