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Tomb Sweeping Guide

Learn the proper way to honor ancestors during Qingming Festival.

Before You Go

  • • Bring fresh flowers (yellow chrysanthemums traditional)
  • • Prepare food offerings (the deceased's favorites)
  • • Bring incense and joss paper
  • • Wear respectful, modest clothing

At the Grave

  • • Clear away weeds and debris from the grave
  • • Place fresh flowers and offerings
  • • Light incense and bow respectfully
  • • Burn joss paper (in designated areas only)
  • • Spend time talking to ancestors

Etiquette Reminders

  • • Maintain a respectful demeanor
  • • Speak quietly and reverently
  • • Avoid taking selfies at the grave
  • • Don't sit or step on graves
  • • Leave the area cleaner than you found it

Spring Outing

After tomb sweeping, many families enjoy spring outings (踏青), flying kites and picnicking to celebrate the arrival of spring.