(BEIJING, CHINA) – INTERNATIONAL journalists from the Asia-Pacific region who arrived in Beijing last week for a three-month study tour hosted by the China International Press Communication Center (CIPCC) have expressed delight to arrive in China as it celebrates the Qingming Festival – a significant Chinese Festival that falls on April 4 or 5 annually.
The festival, which honors ancestors through tomb-sweeping and offerings and at the same time celebrates the arrival of spring, is observed with a statutory three-day holiday. This year’s holiday is observed from April 4 to 6 and the international journalists were delighted to witness celebrations of this festival in the Chinese capital ahead of the commencement of their fellowship Monday April 7 (today).
During the Qingming Festival, Chinese take time to pay homage to their ancestors and revolutionary matyrs and deceased family members by visiting their gravesites to clean them up and offer sacrifices, and also welcome spring by take outings with families and friends to enjoy the scene of blossoming flowers and the beauty of nature in general, symbolising renewal, good fortune and joy.
Operations Adviser for the Aliw Broadcasting Corporation based in Pasig, Philippines, Wes Cabangon said as a Filipino currently in China, experiencing the Qingming Festival first-hand is both humbling and inspiring.
“It’s a beautiful tradition, honoring one’s ancestors with deep reverence and love. What struck me the most is how this solemn occassion coincides with breathtaking cherry blossom season, reminding us of the fleeting yet beautiful nature of life.
“Travelling through Beijing during this time, I was amazed at how efficient the road networks are. The well planned highways and public transport systems makes it easier for families to visit ancestral graves, even in more remote areas. It’s a subtle yet powerful way modern infrastructure supports ancient traditions like Qingming Festival, helping them contrinue to thrive in today’s world.”
Sreymao Nop, a Cambodian journalist representing Khmer Times based in Phnom Penh, said from a Cambodian perspective of the Qingming Festival, she feels a deep sense of connection to her roots to be in China during this time, adding that in her home country, they celebrate a similar tradition known as the Pchum Ben Festival.
“Both Qingming and Pchum Ben are significant occassions dedicated to honoring the past, fostering a sense of continuity between generations, and reinforcing the importance of family ties.
“Participating in the Qingming Festival allows me to appreciate these culltural similarities, deepening my sense of belonging and connection to my heritage while in China. So I’m quite excited to come to China during this time, as it equips me with a unique opportunity to learn and witness first-hand this significant event.”
Editor of Solomon Star’s weekly editions, Deli Sharon Oso said, it is indeed a great pleasure to be invited here to Beijing to attend the Chinese International Press Communication Center-hosted study tour and to be during the Qingming Festival.
Mrs Oso said she appreciates the significance of the event in the Chinese Culture, adding that, “Chinese are a deeply patriotic people. They embrace their cultural heritage, history and cherish the contributions of the founding fathers towards their nationhood and the memories of their loved ones.
“They are a people deeply connected to their environment, always welcoming the the arrival of different seasons and in this case, the arrival of spring. The celebrations being held to welcome spring here in Beijing are indeed spectacular.
“The Chinese’ deep sense of patriotism, their appreciation of the contributions of their national founding fathers, cherishment of family, their deep connection to mother nature, together with their positive attitude towards work and business and the visionary leadership of the Chinese Communist Party under the presidency of President Xi Jinping for shared prosperity both at the national and global stages are fundamental pillars behind China’s rise as a global economic power. China does not succumb to global challenges. It rather finds way to successfully nagivate them,” she said.
Other journalists also expressed similar sentiments about the Qingming Festival and expressed anticipation to explore and learn more about China during their study tour and thanked the CIPCC for hosting such a program that allows them to share their experiences and views on issues and challenges they face in light of a changing global political landscape.
A total of 23 journalists from the Asia-Pacific region will participate in the three-month study tour that will commence on April 7 and conclude on July 7.
