By RK Shih/Staff. AI-generated illustration image.
KAOHSIUNG — With dry conditions raising wildfire concerns ahead of Tomb-Sweeping Day (清明節), the Kaohsiung City Government (高雄市政府) is accelerating preparations, deploying patrols across high-risk districts and expanding transport services to major burial sites.
Many people choose to attend to their ancestors’ tombs earlier than the actual day of the holiday, and city officials say they are concerned that early grave visits combined with dry weather could result in fires, especially in Meinong (美濃), Shanlin (杉林), Liouguei (六龜), and Daliao (大寮). While fire prevention measures are being stepped up, authorities are also urging residents to avoid burning weeds and other materials.
The city will implement a six-day service plan from March 28 to 29 and April 3 to 6, which should help manage crowds and reduce traffic pressure. A new free shuttle route to the Luzhu Columbarium (路竹納骨塔) is being introduced, with a temporary transfer point on Lane 90, Huanqiu Road (環球路90巷). Additional shuttle services will run to Shenshuishan Public Cemetery (深水山公墓), Cijin Columbarium (旗津納骨塔), and Fengshan Kaotan Columbarium (鳳山拷潭納骨塔).
Officials are also pushing the idea of “merit substitution for joss paper” (以功代金). This campaign encourages donations to social welfare groups in place of traditional burning practices — both to cut fire risks and reduce pollution.
Authorities reiterated the “Four Nos and One Must” rules: no burning weeds, no cigarette litter, no joss paper burning, no firecrackers, and all trash must be taken away.
Source: Kaohsiung City Government Information Bureau (高雄市政府新聞局)
