Tomb Sweeping Day in Taiwan
Tomb Sweeping Day, or Qingming, is a statutory holiday in Taiwan tied to the Qingming solar term, so its Gregorian date can vary. For many people, the day is a time to visit ancestral graves, pay respects and gather with family.[1][2]
Meaning and timing
Qingming began as the name of one of the 24 traditional solar terms. Over time, it also became a festival for honoring ancestors; in Taiwan, grave visits and family remembrance are central observances. The date follows the solar term rather than a fixed April date.[1][3]
Across Chinese communities, Qingming is known as a time for remembering ancestors. Taiwan’s official sources describe its local observance through grave care, ancestor worship and family customs.[2][3]
A public holiday and leave rules
Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor lists Qingming as a national holiday, set on the day of the Qingming solar term. Employees, including part-time workers, are entitled to a holiday when it falls on a day they were scheduled to work. An employer and employee may agree to move the day off to another workday, but the employee must consent and the replacement day must be agreed.[1]
If a statutory holiday coincides with an employee’s legally scheduled regular day off or rest day, the employee must receive compensatory leave on another workday, with the date arranged by agreement between employer and employee.[1]
Grave visits and family observances
People commonly visit graves to worship ancestors and clear weeds from burial sites. The Ministry of Environment describes Tomb Sweeping Day as a peak period for ancestral worship in Taiwan and notes that grave weeding and burning joss paper are among the practices associated with it. The ministry advises using designated collection points for joss paper and avoiding open-air burning.[2]
Observances can also include a family meal. The Ministry of Agriculture describes making runbing, or thin-skinned spring rolls, as a Qingming custom. Fillings differ by region: its account notes more savory flavors in northern Taiwan and sweeter flavors in the south. Families may prepare the rolls together, and some places hold activities where people can make them.[3]
Planning around the holiday
For a particular office, business or service, check its own holiday hours before making plans.
Frequently asked questions
When is Tomb Sweeping Day in Taiwan?
It falls on the Qingming solar term, so the Gregorian date varies.[1]
Is Tomb Sweeping Day a day off for workers?
Yes. Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor lists Qingming as a national holiday. Employees, including part-time workers, are entitled to time off when it falls on a scheduled workday, subject to the labor rules on agreed schedule changes.[1]
Do all offices, shops and transport services close?
Check the specific office, shop or transport operator for its hours.
Sources and references
Sources used for Tomb Sweeping Day in Taiwan:
- 國定假日及補假- Ministry of Labor, Republic of China (Taiwan)
- EPA and NFA Provide Three Tips for Eco Friendly Tomb Sweeping- Ministry of Environment, Republic of China (Taiwan)
- 清明節動手包潤餅- Ministry of Agriculture, Republic of China (Taiwan)