Chinese authorities have issued urgent fire and road safety warnings as millions prepare to travel for the Ching Ming Festival, a traditional time for tomb-sweeping and paying respects to ancestors. The three-day holiday, which began on Friday, is expected to see around 760 million journeys, including 84 million rail trips, according to the Ministry of Transport. Officials are also concerned about the risks of bad weather and fire hazards during this busy period.
Travel Surge Expected During Ching Ming Festival
The Ching Ming Festival, also known as the tomb-sweeping holiday, is a major occasion in China, with millions traveling to visit family tombs and honor their ancestors. The Ministry of Transport estimates that 760 million trips will be made over the holiday, with heavy congestion anticipated, particularly on major highways. Rail services are expected to carry approximately 84 million passengers, leading to crowded stations and trains.
Road and Rail Congestion
Peak travel times have already led to significant traffic delays in major cities. On social media, users have posted images of gridlocked roads, such as one from the expressway out of Shanghai, where travelers were stuck for up to three hours. Another viral image showed overcrowded paths on Wutong Mountain in Shenzhen, a popular tourist destination. The congestion highlights the growing concern over travel safety during the holiday.
Fire Risks Amid Traditional Customs
In addition to road safety, authorities have raised alarms over the increased risk of fires during the Ching Ming Festival. A key tradition involves burning incense, paper money, and even setting off fireworks as a way of paying respect to ancestors. However, these practices have led to a series of fire incidents in recent days.
The most severe incident occurred in Shanxi Province, where a forest fire broke out on Thursday. Local media reported that 800 firefighters were dispatched to extinguish the blaze. While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, authorities suspect it may have been linked to Ching Ming rituals involving burning offerings.
Previous Incidents and Government Warnings
Other provinces have also experienced fire-related incidents. In Guangdong, local police detained a man for five days after he ignited fireworks in a forest, leading to a fire. Authorities are reminding people of the dangers posed by such practices, urging them to follow fire safety guidelines.
In Hunan Province, a court sentenced two people to over three years in prison for causing fires during last year’s Ching Ming Festival. One man had set off fireworks at his mother’s tomb, while the other was burning paper money. The court warned that careless handling of fire during the festival could result in deadly forest fires, endangering both lives and property.
Alternative Ways to Honor Ancestors
In light of the fire dangers, some local governments have suggested safer ways to observe the holiday. These include leaving flowers at gravesites, planting trees, or even paying tribute online. Additionally, authorities are urging people to burn offerings in a safer manner, following fire safety instructions and avoiding risky locations.
The Chinese government has emphasized the importance of adhering to fire safety laws and guidelines during the Ching Ming Festival. “Negligence with fire can have severe consequences, including forest fires,” said a spokesperson from the Hunan court, urging the public to be cautious.
As millions of people across China observe the Ching Ming Festival, authorities are focused on ensuring public safety. With millions of travelers on the roads and significant fire risks, government officials have called for awareness and adherence to safety protocols. Travelers are advised to remain cautious, follow weather warnings, and consider alternative ways to honor their ancestors, ensuring a safe and meaningful holiday.
