Families Flock To Cemeteries To Mark Ching Ming

Large numbers of people flocked to Hong Kong's cemeteries on Wednesday to take part in family tomb-sweeping – free of the Covid restrictions that have hampered the tradition in recent years.

Throughout the day, crowds carrying offerings and equipment for cleaning their ancestral tombs were seen heading to major cemeteries such as Sai Wan, Junk Bay and Wo Hop Shek.

One man who was sweeping graves at a cemetery in Diamond Hill with his family said he was glad they could all be together to mark the Ching Ming Festival.

"Last year, we had to wear a mask, and there were fewer tomb sweepers as a two-person restriction was in place. With the easing of Covid rules this year, it's better as the whole family can pay respects to our ancestors," he said.

Another woman said it's much easier to visit tombs with her family as they no longer have to comply with social distancing rules.

Meanwhile, people selling paper offerings to be burnt at grave sites said they were expecting better sales than last year, when a public gathering ban was in place.

One shopkeeper said he's expecting a 20 percent jump in business.

"We are expecting better sales than last year. Everyone is out and about now that Hong Kong has returned to normalcy. Last year people visited tombs in small groups, but we are seeing big families this year," he said.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department warned tomb-sweepers heading to the countryside to mark the festival to exercise caution to avoid the risk of hill fires.