Ancient traditions thrill holiday revellers

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Wednesday marks Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day - a traditional time for Chinese people to pay tribute to departed loved ones. Many customs have been practised since ancient times, as they still are today. And holiday makers in central China's Henan Province have been enjoying some of these varied traditions, at the 2012 Kaifeng Qingming Culture Festival.

Dragon dances, stilt-walking, drum performances, folk art shows.

These centuries-old Chinese arts performed at Qingming festival can all be found here, at the Kaifeng Qingming Culture Festival.

Some household names like Bao Zheng, the symbol of justice, also appear at the parade.

The traditional festival attracts an international audience.

An American tourist said, "It's great! I really enjoyed my time here."

Holiday makers in central China's Henan Province have been enjoying some of these varied traditions, at the 2012 Kaifeng Qingming Culture Festival.

Kaifeng is closely linked to Qingming Festival. The famous ancient painting "The Riverside Scene at the Qingming Festival" by Zhang Zeduan, captures life in the Northern Song capital of Bianjing, which is today's Kaifeng.

In the Qingming River Garden, the bustling scene depicted on the scroll painting comes to life.

Feng Jicai, vice chairman of China Federation of Art & Literature, said, "The busy scene created as the people walk around looks just like a moving painting. The key to our festivals is participation. In this way, the value of these occasions is demonstrated and our customs are passed down."

Ancient sporting events are also held, such as playing on swings, the ancient football-like game cuju and flying kites - for those wanting to work off the festival food. And there's even some very old Song Dynasty fairground rides to enjoy.

Holiday makers in central China's Henan Province have been enjoying some of these varied traditions, at the 2012 Kaifeng Qingming Culture Festival.

Holiday makers in central China's Henan Province have been enjoying some of these varied traditions, at the 2012 Kaifeng Qingming Culture Festival.