Young travelers honor historical figures during Qingming
Such practices are becoming more visible around Qingming and other holidays, particularly in cities with rich historical heritage like Xi'an and Luoyang. Some travelers map out multi-stop itineraries centered on ancient tombs, reflecting a growing form of culture-driven tourism.
Social media and online communities built around historical figures are helping drive the trend, drawing young audiences from short videos and internet fandom toward biographies, historical records, and real-world sites.
For many, these journeys offer a way to make history feel tangible, intimate, and alive.
"Every visit feels like extending a life," Fan said. "As long as someone is still remembered, maybe that is a kind of eternity."
Zheng Jinran contributed to this story.
