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Qingming Festival

Hi all,

I just realize that Qingming is a national holidays in China and my plan coming to Beijing will land on that weekend. What do I expect such as crowd size, any closure that I need to know? I plan to visit main attractions.

Thank you

Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a national holiday in China, usually occurring in early April. Since it is a public holiday, you can expect Beijing to be busier than usual, especially at popular tourist sites.

Here’s what to anticipate:

  • Large crowds: Major attractions like the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and the Great Wall will be busier than normal. Lines for tickets and security checks can be long.
  • Transportation: Public transport, especially metro lines serving tourist areas, will be crowded. Taxis and ride-hailing services may have surge pricing or longer wait times.
  • Closures: Most major attractions remain open during Qingming, but some smaller cultural or historical sites may close for ceremonial events or maintenance. Always check official websites for confirmation.

Tips to manage the holiday crowd:

  • Arrive early at attractions to avoid peak hours.
  • Book tickets online in advance where possible to skip queues.
  • Consider visiting less-visited sites in the city to escape the biggest crowds.
  • Use metro or other public transport to avoid road traffic jams.

Overall, while it will be busier than normal, visiting Beijing during Qingming is still feasible if you plan ahead and allocate extra time for travel and queues.

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The attractions mentioned in this question

Beijing
Great Wall
Forbidden City
Summer Palace
China
China
Temple of Heaven
Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square

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