Qingming is not only one of China's 24 solar terms, but also an occasion for Chinese people to honor their lost family members.
清明既是中国传统节气，又是中国人追思亲人的传统节日。
Speaking of the solar term, Qingming, which is observed in early April when the temperature begins to rise and rainfall increases. It is a right time for spring cultivation and sowing.
月初的气温开始回升，降雨量增加，这使得它成为春天耕种和播种的关键时刻。
At the same time, Chinese people will visit tombs of their ancestors around Qingming to pay respect to the deceased. Most of the time the whole families will go to cemeteries with offerings, clean up weeds around the tombs and pray for family prosperity.
Qingming was included as Chinese public holiday in 2008. Chinese people call themselves the descendants of the Yan Emperor and Yellow Emperor. A grand ceremony is held on Qingming every year in order to commemorate the Yellow Emperor, also known as the Xuanyuan Emperor. On this day, Chinese from all over the world pay respects to their ancestor together. This serves as a reminder of the roots of the Chinese people and a chance to revisit the civilization of our ancestors.
These traditions are often accompanied with a more traditional activity -- spring outing. The spring sunshine brings everything back to life and the time is best to enjoy the beautiful scenes outside. The mild temperature and fresh air are calming and stress-relieving, making spring outings another leisure choice for those who lead modern lives.
