Travel peaks ahead of Tomb Sweeping Day

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China's public transport systems are starting to report rising numbers of passengers, ahead of Tomb Sweeping Day on April 4th. The annual public holiday is a time to honor departed loved ones, and commemorate ancestors.

On the last weekend ahead of tomb-sweeping day, it's hard to avoid crowded public transport.

A resident of Tianjin City said, "I thought there would be fewer people if I came here earlier."

Bai Fuli, director of Qinyuan Cemetery Division, said, "It's estimated that over a million people will come here during the Tomb Sweeping Day, with 120,000 people expected here today.

A citizen writes letter to her deceased relative at Babaoshan Cemetery in Beijing, capital of China, March 25, 2012. As the last rest day before the Qingming Festival holiday, many people chose to sweep tombs in advance to avoid the peak hour. Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, is observed by Chinese to show their affections for the departed. (Xinhua/Wang Zhen)

A large number of residents chose to go to the cemetries by car, resulting in traffic jams and accidents.

And where to park is always a problem.

A resident of Tianjin City said, "The traffic has been congested for over one hour."

Local authorities have laid on extra bus services over the next fortnight, while hot lines have been set up to provide detailed traffic information.

Many citizens come to Babaoshan Cemetery to sweep the tombs of their deceased relatives in Beijing, capital of China, March 25, 2012. As the last rest day before the Qingming Festival holiday, many people chose to sweep tombs in advance to avoid the peak hour. Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, is observed by Chinese to show their affections for the departed. (Xinhua/Wang Zhen)

Citizens present flowers to the tomb of their deceased relatives at Babaoshan Cemetery in Beijing, capital of China, March 25, 2012. As the last rest day before the Qingming Festival holiday, many people chose to sweep tombs in advance to avoid the peak hour. Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, is observed by Chinese to show their affections for the departed. (Xinhua/Wang Zhen)

Many citizens holding flowers to sweep the tombs of their deceased relatives are seen at Babaoshan Cemetery in Beijing, capital of China, March 25, 2012. As the last rest day before the Qingming Festival holiday, many people chose to sweep tombs in advance to avoid the peak hour. Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, is observed by Chinese to show their affections for the departed. (Xinhua/Wang Zhen)