Round Table China The new Qingming: From ancient rituals to eco-burials
Apr 6, 2026
They trace Qingming’s ancient roots and links to the Cold Food Festival. The conversation covers tomb-sweeping rituals, regional variations and online memorials. New rules on funerals, eco-burial incentives and subsidies get examined. Generational tensions over virtual versus physical remembrance come up. The festival’s role as spring outing, travel peak and food traditions is also highlighted.
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Qingming Means Spring Clarity Not Just Tomb Sweeping
- Qingming combines tomb-sweeping with the solar-term meaning of clear brightness, marking spring's start and family remembrance.
- The name Qingming literally means clearness and brightness, so the festival is more than just cleaning graves.
Family Rituals Vary From Local Anniversary Visits To Public Martyr Ceremonies
- Fei Fei described her family's custom of visiting on a funeral anniversary rather than Qingming and bringing a favorite dish to the grave.
- She also highlighted nationwide public ceremonies honoring martyrs where kids learn stories and give speeches.
Regulations Treat Funerals As Public Welfare To Curb Excess
- New national regulations reframe funeral and burial services as public welfare to curb overspending and irrational purchases.
- They require list-based management so families aren't charged for nonlisted services.