Qing Ming Festival 2026: Expect Crowds and Plan Ahead

Visitors planning to pay their respects at cemeteries and columbaria in Singapore should anticipate large crowds during the Qing Ming Festival period, from March 21 to April 19, 2026. The National Environment Agency (NEA) has identified 11 peak days when cemeteries and columbaria are expected to be particularly busy.

What is Qing Ming Festival?

Qing Ming, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day or Chinese All Souls’ Day, is a traditional festival observed by the ethnic Chinese community to honor and remember their departed loved ones. The National Environment Agency (NEA) notes it is a time for families to pay respects to their ancestors.

Peak Visiting Dates

The following dates are expected to be the busiest:

• March 21 (Hari Raya Puasa)
• March 22
• March 28
• March 29
• April 3 (Good Friday)
• April 4
• April 5 (Qing Ming Day)
• April 11
• April 12
• April 18
• April 19

According to the Strait Times, these dates include weekends and public holidays.

Cemetery and Columbarium Access

All government-managed cemeteries and columbaria – Choa Chu Kang Cemetery, Choa Chu Kang Columbarium, Mandai Columbarium, and Yishun Columbarium – will be open 24 hours a day from March 21 to April 19, 2026, to accommodate visitors. The NEA encourages visitors to consider visiting on off-peak days.

Partial Closures

The Garden of Peace at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery and the Garden of Serenity next to the Mandai North Crematorium will be closed to the public on the 11 peak days. This is to ensure privacy for families who have prior approval to scatter ashes in these gardens.

Important Reminders & Safety Guidelines

• At Choa Chu Kang Columbarium, access to occupied niches will be maintained, but visitors should avoid hoarded areas where works are ongoing.
• Prioritize safety and be mindful of surroundings.
• Use designated burners and pits for burning joss paper.
• Burn joss paper in small quantities to reduce ash dispersal.
• Do not leave lit candles, joss sticks, or joss paper unattended.
• Clear all food offerings and litter to avoid attracting pests.
• Avoid consuming food and drinks within the columbaria premises.
• Do not bring pets into the columbaria.
• Do not offer any form of gratification to staff.

Transportation and Parking

Free shuttle bus services will be available on the 13 peak days to and from Yew Tee MRT Station (for Choa Chu Kang Columbarium) and Khatib MRT Station (for Mandai Columbarium). Stomp Singapore reports that the pick-up point for the Choa Chu Kang shuttle bus has changed to Yew Tee MRT Station.

E-appointments will be required for parking at Choa Chu Kang and Mandai columbaria during specific dates and times. Bookings open on March 9, 2026, at go.gov.sg/qm2026cckc (Choa Chu Kang) and go.gov.sg/qm2026mc (Mandai). Real-time traffic information will be available at go.gov.sg/qm2026traffic.

Stay Updated

For the latest updates and detailed advisories, please visit go.gov.sg/qm2026.