Traditional culture in plain words
Qingming (清明): the Tomb-Sweeping Festival
Qingming (清明) is both a solar term and a day of remembrance. Families honour their ancestors, then step out to enjoy the spring.
At a glance
How the festivals began
Qingming falls in early April, and the exact day moves a little each year. It falls on 5 April in 2026 and 2027, and on 4 April in 2028. It is a public holiday in Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, and Chinese communities in Singapore, Malaysia and overseas keep the day with equal care.
Sweeping the tombs grew from the old Cold Food Festival (寒食), a day of resting the fire and eating simple food in memory of the ancestors. In time it joined the spring outing, so Qingming became a day for honouring the departed and remembering one's roots.
Traditional customs
Families visit the graves together. They clear the weeds, lay flowers and offerings, and bow in respect. Some light incense or burn paper money; please follow local arrangements, take care with fire, and look after elderly relatives in your party. Afterwards, many enjoy a spring walk in the countryside. In southern China and Hong Kong, some eat qingtuan (青團), a green rice cake made with mugwort juice; in Taiwan and southern Fujian, people enjoy runbing, thin pancakes rolled with spring vegetables — a taste of the season shared together.
See also Qingming (清明)
Festival dates are converted from the lunar calendar and are for reference only. Customs vary a little from place to place. For temple and community events, please follow the organisers' announcements.