The Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, was joyfully celebrated on April 4 this year, marking a vibrant three-day holiday across the Chinese mainland. This traditional festival is a special time for families to honor their ancestors and enjoy the blossoming spring.
According to the Ministry of Transport, an impressive 297 million passenger trips were estimated to take place on the first day of the holiday, showcasing the massive movement of people across the country. Funeral institutions played a significant role during this time, with 57,600 funeral homes witnessing around 24.73 million passenger trips on Thursday alone – a remarkable increase of 9.76 million compared to last year, as reported by the Ministry of Civil Affairs.
But Qingming isn't just about paying respects. It's also a prime opportunity for leisure and relaxation. Statistics from Qunar, a leading Chinese online travel agency, revealed that ticket bookings in popular cities surged by 1.3-fold year-on-year. Additionally, hotel bookings in major destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou nearly doubled, reflecting the festive spirit and the desire to explore and unwind during the holiday.
Whether it's honoring family traditions or embarking on spring adventures, the Qingming Festival beautifully blends remembrance with the joy of the season.
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Honoring ancestors and spring outings mark Qingming Festival holidays
cgtn.com