Chinese going online for tomb sweeping

Fireless tomb sweeping

The growing popularity of virtual tomb sweeping comes as authorities advocate "fireless "Qingming as part of a broader effort to reform the country's funeral sector. Qingming has long been plagued by superstitious and sometimes risky customs such as burning joss paper and other offerings in forested areas where many cemeteries and private burial sites are located.

With an aim to "defuse risks", the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the National Forestry and Grassland Administration issued a circular in March requiring local authorities to seize the upcoming Tomb Sweeping Day to promote "civilized" and "low-carbon" options to remember loved ones.

Suggested alternatives include presenting bouquets, planting trees and organizing group remembrance events whose fire risks are easier to manage. Cemeteries and other funeral service providers are encouraged to roll out cyber-based tomb sweeping services and step up publicity against "vulgar and superstitious" funeral supplies or practices.

The ministries also suggested fostering a culture that prizes better care for parents while alive over lavish funerals or memorial events, guiding the public to remember loved ones through reading classics such as nostalgic poetry, which authorities said helps mourners improve spiritual richness.

Local governments have also been warned against price-gouging plaguing the festival, when funeral supplies and relevant services are in high demand.

Reservations are now required at many sites of mourning, to manage crowds, and prevent fire risks and potential stampedes.