Tomb Sweeping Day is not only a time to honor ancestors but also an ideal season for outdoor excursions. As the short holiday approaches, busy office workers are starting to feel restless. Due to this year's unique Tomb Sweeping holiday schedule, the practice of using annual leave to extend the break—"combining leave" for longer trips—has gradually gained traction in some areas.
However, recent reports from on-site journalists reveal that the "combining leave" trend is not widespread. Short-distance trips and self-driving tours remain the main choices for Tomb Sweeping travel this year. But with frequent spring rains and crowded holiday travel, risks are heightened. Industry insiders advise extra caution regardless of whether you opt for long, short, or self-guided road trips.
"Combining leave" can extend holidays up to 10 days
Mr. Wang, who recently got married, plans to use his Tomb Sweeping holiday to take his wife on a honeymoon to Southeast Asia. Working in a government office, he and his wife applied for two days of annual leave. "This gives us a full seven days for overseas travel." This year’s official Tomb Sweeping holiday runs from April 2 to 4—a total of three days. Popular online "leave-combining guides" suggest: taking two days off on March 31 and April 1 to create a five-day break; or using two days off on April 5 and 6 to extend the three-day holiday plus a weekend (April 7–8) into a seven-day trip; or even taking five consecutive days off from March 30 to April 1, combining them with the three-day holiday and a weekend to enjoy a full ten-day vacation from March 30 to April 8.
However, "combining leave" isn’t very popular. Recently, inquiries with multiple travel agencies showed that few people are choosing long-distance travel during Tomb Sweeping. A branch manager at one agency reported that the "combining leave" trend hasn’t significantly impacted the tourism market, with little fluctuation in long-haul travel bookings.
Short trips and self-driving tours are favored
With changing travel preferences, many locals are ditching group tours in favor of self-driving. "Driving the family out to admire flowers and picking seasonal fruit on the way back is much freer and more enjoyable than joining a tour group," said Mr. Zhang, who plans to visit Yangzhou during the holiday. Travel agency staff noted that more and more people are choosing self-drive trips. "Most Tomb Sweeping holidays are just three days, so people prefer driving to nearby scenic spots themselves."
However, with oil prices topping 8 yuan per liter, some would-be self-drivers have opted for group short trips instead. Xiao Peng, an employee at a local company, said he had planned to visit Hangzhou’s Taiziwan Park to see tulips over Tomb Sweeping, but rising fuel costs and his own limited driving skills led him to join colleagues on a group tour. It’s reported that major travel agencies in Cixi are still promoting short trips such as flower viewing, fruit picking, ancient town tours, and temple blessings, with strong interest and many bookings.
Stay safe during holiday travel
Frequent spring rains, crowded travel periods, and other factors all increase risks. Industry experts recommend extra precautions, including selecting appropriate insurance based on your mode of transportation—both drivers and vehicles should be covered for self-driving trips.
Reportedly, long-distance bus tickets now include basic insurance. "But for better protection, it’s wise to purchase additional commercial insurance," said a representative from a private insurance firm. Many insurers now offer specialized policies covering various transport modes—including planes, trains, subways, and buses—with annual coverage. For frequent travelers, this is more convenient than buying insurance for each trip.
He also advises that self-drivers pay extra attention to insurance, as many vehicle owners don’t cover their passengers, leaving risks uninsured. Specialized self-driving insurance can fill that gap. Additionally, don’t forget a thorough "check-up" before hitting the road. "With frequent rain during Tomb Sweeping, road conditions may be poor, so prepare in advance—check fuel levels, spare tires, and oil/antifreeze levels. Also, drivers should save their insurer’s emergency hotline to quickly access rescue services if needed."