Millions of people across China are celebrating the Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day starting from Friday.

This year the festival will last till Sunday (April 6).

It is a traditional Chinese festival that honours ancestors and loved ones who have passed away.

Marking this day, families visit the graves of their ancestors to clean the tombstones, offer food, flowers, and burn incense or paper money. These rituals are done to show respect and to remember those who came before them.

Qingming, which means "clear and bright" in Chinese, is also a time when people enjoy the beauty of nature.

Many families go for walks in the countryside, fly kites, and enjoy outdoor activities. It is both a solemn and joyful occasion.

The festival has been observed for over 2,500 years and is one of the most important traditional events in China.

The Chinese government recognises Qingming as a public holiday, allowing families to travel and spend time together.

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Wes Cabangon, operations adviser for the Aliw Broadcasting Corporation based in Pasig, the Philippines, who is visiting in China, said it's a beautiful tradition honouring one's ancestors with deep reverence and love.

"What struck me most is how this solemn occasion coincides with the breathtaking cherry blossom season, reminding us of the fleeting yet beautiful nature of life," he added.

Sharing her thought, Yuge Xu, a masters student of International Communication at Communication University of China, said today is the first day of the Qingming festival holiday, and I am very happy to go to the park with my friends to see the crabapple flowers.

"There are also many other tourists in the park, covering all age groups, but everyone has a common goal: to fully enjoy the spring scenery and feel the atmosphere of spring", she added.

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This year, Chinese authorities are also reminding the public to celebrate in an eco-friendly way, encouraging the use of flowers instead of burning paper offerings to reduce pollution.

As Qingming continues, people across the country are taking the time to remember the past and look forward to a brighter future.