Wang Yuanyuan
THE number of people sweeping tombs is expected to reach at least 680,000 this year during the Qingming Festival, prompting authorities to suggest tomb sweepers avoid going to cemeteries during rush hours.
The city s traffic authority expects Qingming Festival observers to peak Saturday and Sunday and between April 2 and 5, according to a meeting on traffic and safety during the festival.
There were about 683,900 tomb sweepers last year, an increase of 5.6 percent over 2009.
Parking bans would be imposed near the cemeteries and traffic police would monitor roads leading to cemeteries and set up inspection stations to check violations such as speeding, overloading, illegal overtaking and drink driving, the traffic department said.
The busiest places would be Shawan Cemetery in Longgang District, Xili Cemetery in Nanshan District and the Overseas Chinese Cemetery in Yantian District.
Firefighters would be on duty in case of fire.
Meanwhile, the Shenzhen Funeral Home will also open to the public before the festival. The first open day will be Sunday. Interested residents can call 12349 and 8957-5765 for reservations.
The Qingming Festival, or Tomb Sweeping Day, falls on April 5. It is a traditional festival which allows Chinese to honor their ancestors.
