Qingming is one of 24 solar terms and a major traditional holiday, a rare dual identity that bridges nature and culture. For Cantonese people, this time of remembrance and family ties carries unique traditions reflecting local heritage.
Unlike most festivals tied to the lunar calendar, Qingming follows the solar cycle. The term "Qingming," which means clear and bright, marks the start of farming activities. Delicacies like pre-Qingming tea, river shrimp, and buckwheat cakes also define this season in Guangdong.
While "ancestor worship" is often the first thought tied to Qingming, its evolution from a farming-focused solar term to a commemorative festival took centuries. Even today, some Hakka communities in Guangdong still honor ancestors in autumn, preserving Qingming's original agricultural significance.
Qingming is China's most poignant expression of "honoring the past and cherishing the present." Every year, people from near and far, including overseas Chinese born and raised abroad, return home to trace their roots and pay respects to ancestors alongside kinsfolk. Qingming is a grand family reunion, often surpassing even the Spring Festival in scale.
Weather for Guangdong
The holiday begins with warmth. On April 4, most of Guangdong will enjoy sunshine, with inland temperatures reaching 25–28°C. Coastal areas may see scattered clouds, while Leizhou Peninsula residents might switch to summer clothing. However, a cold front arrives on April 5, bringing drizzle and a 3–5°C temperature drop. By April 6, northern regions like Shaoguan and Qingyuan will face moderate rain, with flood warnings issued for mountainous areas.
As of noon on April 3, most cities in Guangdong have issued forest fire warnings, with northwestern regions under the highest red alert. To prevent wildfires, caution is urged during outdoor activities this Qingming.
The Mourning Day
Du Mu (Tang Dynasty)
A drizzling rain falls like tears on the mourning day;
The mourner's heart is going to break on his way.
“Where can a wine shop be found to drown my sad hours?”
A cowherd points to a cot amid apricot flowers.
(Translated by Xu Yuanchong)
Author | Feng Huiting
Poster | Feng Huiting
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, Huang Qini, James, Shen He
