Wildfires continue to ravage southern California, with at least five people confirmed dead, over 150,000 residents evacuated, and more than 1,100 homes destroyed, as flames spread unchecked across Los Angeles County.
Fueled by strong winds and dry weather conditions that have plagued the region in recent days, at least six separate wildfires have erupted across Los Angeles County since Tuesday, and nearly all remain largely uncontrolled, according to the latest data released on Wednesday by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).
Among the most severe incidents is the fire in the Pacific Palisades area, which has already scorched 64 square kilometers of land. The Eaton fire, spreading in the Altadena area in eastern Los Angeles County, has also devastated over 42 square kilometers of forested land.
With the Palisades fire encroaching, authorities in Santa Monica issued emergency evacuation orders for parts of the city on Wednesday.
The wildfires have also caused widespread power outages, with over 310,000 homes and businesses currently without electricity, according to data from a U.S. power outage tracking website.
California governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Tuesday and also visited the Pacific Palisades area where he met with local and state fire officials.
The National Weather Service stated on Wednesday that strong winds are expected to continue until Thursday in affected areas, making it harder to contain the wildfires.
At least 5 dead, over 1,000 homes destroyed in Los Angeles County wildfires
At least 5 dead, over 1,000 homes destroyed in Los Angeles County wildfires
At least 5 dead, over 1,000 homes destroyed in Los Angeles County wildfires
At least 5 dead, over 1,000 homes destroyed in Los Angeles County wildfires
As the Qingming Festival approaches this Friday, various traditional folk activities have been held across China, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the occasion.
With a 2,500-year history, Qingming Festival, or the Festival of Pure Brightness, observed in early April, uniquely combines ancestral worship with the celebration of spring. Falling on the 15th day after the spring equinox, this ritual-rich observance reflects China's enduring values of ancestral veneration and inspires deep introspection about what gives life meaning.
In Sijia Village, Huayin City, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, a unique swing festival is held to mark the occasion. Eighteen different types of traditional swings, such as the spinning wheel swing, the Bagua swing reminiscent of a rotating carousel, and the balance swing designed for two people, have attracted many visitors.
Historically, Sijia Village served as a military post guarding the strategic Tongguan pass, a former mountain pass and fortress located south of the confluence of the Wei and Yellow Rivers. The swing tradition in the village has its origins in military training exercises like climbing and river crossing. The local swing culture further developed as regional trade flourished, eventually evolving into the "swing festival" that continues today.
"It's very exciting and tests your skill, endurance, and most importantly, your arm strength. You need to maintain balance," said Qu Xiangyang, a visitor.
In Rudong County, Nantong City, east China's Jiangsu Province, another traditional Qingming activity takes place - kite flying.
Flying kites as a way of making wishes is an age-old Qingming custom in this region. As a result, the Qingming Festival in Nantong is also known as the "Kite Festival."
The local Banyao whistling kite making skills is listed as one of the first national intangible cultural heritage items.
According to a folk culture expert, people traditionally write the names of diseases or misfortunes on paper, attach it to a kite, and release it into the sky. This practice is believed to drive away illness and disaster, while also serving as a way to make wishes.
In south China's Guangdong Province, a large tug-of-war competition is underway in Maoming City. Teams from different towns and streets are competing, attracting many locals to cheer on their teams.
Tug-of-war, which originated during the late Spring and Autumn period (770 BC - 476 BC), became part of Qingming customs during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty once organized large-scale tug-of-war competitions for the festival.
"Tug-of-war became very popular in the Tang Dynasty, even emerging as the national sport. It originated in the Jingchu region and later spread across the country. In ancient Lingnan (Southern China), tug-of-war games were a common tradition. Through these events, people seek to pray for peace, prosperity, and abundant harvests," said Yao Guojun, vice dean of the College of Arts and Law, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology.
Traditional folk activities held for Qingming Festival
