Qingming Festival

Introduction to Qingming Festival

Qingming Festival (清明节), also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, is one of China’s most significant traditional holidays. This festival is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and has been observed for over 2,500 years. It is a time for families to remember and honor their ancestors by visiting gravesites, making offerings, and engaging in various customs that reflect filial piety.

Qingming Festival 2025 Date

The Qingming Festival in 2025 falls on April 4, Friday. Since it is a public holiday in China, many people take advantage of the long weekend to visit their ancestral graves or travel for spring outings.

The History of Qingming Festival

The origins of Qingming Festival date back to the Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BC). However, it became an official festival during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) when Emperor Xuanzong decreed that people should formally honor their ancestors during this period.

Qingming Festival is closely associated with the ancient Hanshi Festival (Cold Food Festival), a day when people refrained from using fire for cooking. Over time, the two traditions merged, and today, Qingming is primarily recognized for its tomb-sweeping customs and spring-related activities.

Qingming Festival Traditions

Tomb Sweeping and Ancestral Worship

One of the most important customs of Qingming Festival is tomb sweeping (扫墓). Families visit cemeteries to clean the graves of their ancestors, remove weeds, and offer food, tea, wine, and incense as a sign of respect.

Traditional Foods

While Qingming Festival is not known for elaborate feasts, certain foods are traditionally eaten:

  • Qingtuan (青团) – A green rice ball made from glutinous rice and mugwort, symbolizing spring.
  • Cold Food (寒食) – Some families observe the old Hanshi Festival tradition by avoiding hot meals on this day.

Spring Outings and Kite Flying

Qingming Festival is also a time to enjoy spring outings (踏青). Families and friends go to parks, fields, and countryside areas to admire the blooming flowers and lush greenery. Flying kites is another popular activity, as it is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.

Qingming Festival Dates (2016–2025)

Since Qingming Festival is based on the solar calendar, it usually falls on April 4 or 5. Below are the Qingming Festival dates from 2016 to 2025:

  • 2016: April 4 (Monday)
  • 2017: April 4 (Tuesday)
  • 2018: April 5 (Thursday)
  • 2019: April 5 (Friday)
  • 2020: April 4 (Saturday)
  • 2021: April 4 (Sunday)
  • 2022: April 5 (Tuesday)
  • 2023: April 5 (Wednesday)
  • 2024: April 4 (Thursday)
  • 2025: April 4 (Friday)

How to Observe Qingming Festival

For Families in China

  • Tomb Sweeping: Visiting cemeteries, cleaning tombstones, and making offerings.
  • Family Gatherings: Many families reunite to honor their ancestors.
  • Spring Activities: Outings and picnics to enjoy the season.

For Tourists

Tourists visiting China during Qingming Festival can experience the cultural traditions by:

  • Observing local ceremonies in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an.
  • Visiting historical sites, where special events may be held.
  • Trying seasonal foods such as Qingtuan.

Best Places to Experience Qingming Festival

  • Beijing: The Temple of Heaven and Babaoshan Cemetery.
  • Hangzhou: West Lake and ancestral tomb sites.
  • Nanjing: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum.

Qingming Festival Holiday

Qingming Festival is a public holiday in mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau. In China, it is typically a three-day holiday, which allows families to travel and pay their respects to their ancestors.

Public Holiday Period in China (2025):

  • April 4 (Friday) – April 6 (Sunday), 2025

During this period:

  • Many businesses, banks, and government offices may be closed.
  • Transportation sees an increase in travel, especially near cemeteries and popular scenic spots.

Qingming Festival Around the World

Qingming Festival is also observed by Chinese communities worldwide. In places with significant Chinese populations, such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, families continue to honor their ancestors.

Similar festivals in other cultures include:

  • Obon Festival (Japan): A Buddhist festival to honor deceased ancestors.
  • Chuseok (Korea): A major harvest and ancestral remembrance holiday.
  • All Souls’ Day (Western countries): A day to remember the dead.

FAQ

1. Why is Qingming Festival called Tomb Sweeping Day?

The name comes from the main tradition of the festival, where families clean and maintain their ancestors’ gravesites.

2. Is Qingming Festival a sad occasion?

While it is a time for reflection and remembrance, Qingming also has joyful aspects, such as spring outings, kite flying, and picnics.

3. Can foreigners participate in Qingming Festival?

Yes! Visitors are welcome to observe ceremonies, try seasonal foods, and learn about the cultural significance of the festival.

4. What should I avoid during Qingming Festival?

  • Avoid wearing bright red clothing, as this is considered inappropriate for ancestral remembrance.
  • Be respectful when visiting cemeteries or observing local customs.

Chinese Holidays and Festivals Guide

Learn dates, customs, and celebrations of major Chinese holidays to effectively plan your vacations and trips.