China only recently declared this a public holiday, despite the Festival's ancient history.
Thousands honored the first Premier of the People's Republic of China, Zhou Enlai, during the Qingming Festival. It's customary to honor deceased political figures and martyrs during this time.
During this festival people hang willow branches in memory of Jie Zitui, an official who cut his own flesh to feed a starving prince named Chong'er.