Qingming Festival

Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese festival observed in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, and across Southeast Asia. Held on the 15th day after the March equinox (usually April 4–6), families visit ancestral graves to clean them, offer food, and burn joss paper, reflecting deep respect for ancestors.

• Observed on the 15th day after the March equinox, in early April
• Families sweep graves and offer food and joss paper to ancestors
• Qingtuan (green dumplings) are eaten in China; caozaiguo in Taiwan
• Willow branches are worn or displayed to ward off misfortune
• Kite-flying and spring outings are common after rituals

What it is

Qingming Festival is a time when families come together to honor and remember their ancestors. The heart of the festival is the visit to ancestral tombs, where graves are cleaned and offerings are made. These acts are seen as expressions of filial piety, a core value in Chinese culture, and help maintain the bond between the living and those who have passed. The festival also marks the arrival of spring, and many see it as a moment to reflect on family roots and the cycles of life.

Where it comes from

The roots of Qingming stretch back to ancient times and are closely linked to the Cold Food or Hanshi Festival, which commemorated Jie Zitui, a loyal nobleman from the Spring and Autumn period. Over time, the festival evolved, especially after Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang dynasty formalized the practice of ancestor veneration to curb excessive ceremonies. Since then, Qingming has become a key occasion for honoring ancestors, with traditions preserved both in China and among overseas communities.

How it is celebrated

During Qingming, families gather at cemeteries or columbaria to sweep tombs, clear weeds, and tidy up grave sites. Rituals include burning joss sticks and joss paper—symbolic money and goods for ancestors in the afterlife—and offering food and flowers. Some people wear willow branches or place them on their homes, believed to ward off misfortune. After the rituals, families often share a meal together, sometimes picnicking at the gravesite. In some regions, people fly kites or enjoy spring outings. Traditional foods like qingtuan (green dumplings) in China and caozaiguo in Taiwan are enjoyed during the festival.

Joining in

Visitors during Qingming can expect to see families gathered at cemeteries, respectfully cleaning graves and performing rituals. In cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Kuala Lumpur, public parks and cemeteries are especially busy. While the atmosphere is solemn, it is also communal and reflective, with families sharing food and stories. As a newcomer, observing quietly and being respectful of the rituals and offerings is appreciated. In some places, you may also see kite-flying and springtime gatherings after the ceremonies.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Qingming Festival, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Qingming Festival on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources listed above, and checked automatically before publishing. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.