Written by
Anthony
People honor their ancestors by cleaning and maintaining their tombs during this festival.
Families enjoy nature, walking in the countryside, appreciating the beauty of spring.
A popular activity to honor the season of growth, boosting tree planting efforts.
Kites are flown to symbolize the release of bad luck and misfortunes.
Willow branches are worn or displayed to ward off evil spirits and bring blessings.
A traditional game symbolizing strength and unity, often held during the festival.
Swinging is a playful activity that fosters health and courage, especially loved by children.
A competitive game where roosters fight, originating from ancient Chinese traditions.
An ancient ball game used for military training, now a recreational activity during the festival.
This sweet or savory snack is made with glutinous rice flour mixed with green plant juice.
A bird-shaped pastry made from jujube paste and flour, honoring ancient Chinese sages.
A traditional southern dish made with rice dyed black using local herbs, often enjoyed during spring.
This small green cake is made from glutinous rice flour and a herb called Shuqu grass, popular in southern China.
The Qingming Festival originated from ancient ancestor worship and spring rituals. It evolved from a solar term in the Zhou Dynasty over 2,500 years ago.
Key customs include tomb-sweeping, ancestor worship, spring outings, and outdoor activities like kite flying, tree planting, and playing games like tug-of-war.
It is called Tomb-Sweeping Day because the central tradition is cleaning and paying respects at ancestors’ graves, a practice deeply rooted in honoring family heritage.
Initially a solar term, it merged with the Cold Food Festival during the Tang Dynasty, later incorporating customs like tomb-sweeping and spring outings during the Song Dynasty.
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Hong Kong and Shenzhen are neighboring cities separated by the Shenzhen River. The closest point is only about 300 m apart, while travel distance ranges from 20 km by ferry to around 60 km by road.
![Aerial view of Gulangyu Island and Xiamen cityscape with the coastline lush greenery and vibrant rooftops under a bright blue sky - Xiamen, A Charming Coastal City in China [August 2026] - The China Journey - Qingming Festival 2026 - The China Journey](https://www.thechinajourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Aerial-view-of-Gulangyu-Island-and-Xiamen-cityscape-with-the-coastline-lush-greenery-and-vibrant-rooftops-under-a-bright-blue-sky-1024x576.webp "Aerial view of Gulangyu Island and Xiamen cityscape with the coastline lush greenery and vibrant rooftops under a bright blue sky - Xiamen, A Charming Coastal City in China [August 2026] - The China Journey - Qingming Festival 2026 - The China Journey")
Discover Xiamen’s stunning coastal beauty, Gulangyu Island, vibrant culture, and iconic attractions. Plan your perfect trip to this charming city today!
The Terracotta Army took about 39 years to build, from 246 BCE to 207 BCE, spanning Qin Shi Huang’s reign and ending just before the dynasty collapsed.
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Hi there!
Just a quick heads-up — a helpful user named Volker let me know that some of the non-English content on this site may not be accurate.
This site is a one-person project I run part-time. I research and publish all the content myself, and the translations are currently done by machine (Google Translate). Balancing accuracy and accessibility across multiple languages is a real challenge.
If you spot any errors, I recommend switching to the English version using the button at the bottom left. I’ll continue working to improve the translations over time.
I truly appreciate your understanding. And if you have any suggestions, feel free to leave a comment — it means a lot to me.
— Anthony 2025.6.18
