Since the first century, Chinese traditionally take to high ground on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month to avoid disaster, though in more recent times families also use the outing to clean the graves of ancestors that in the past were built on hillsides.

Among the traditional offerings at graveside gatherings are roasted meats such as suckling pigs and chickens. But several meat vendors reported a huge drop in business and some estimated the fall could be as high as 30 percent when compared with last year.

"We were only able to sell about 10 roasted suckling pigs this year," said one of the vendors, surnamed Lo. She said her company sold more than 15 roasted pigs last year.

Some grave-sweepers opted for paper roasted meat as offerings as this was not only lighter to carry but also cheaper on the pocket.

However, the financial tsunami did not prevent families from paying respects to the departed with tens of thousands flocking to graveyards in the New Territories throughout the day. Most took their children along to ensure the tradition that began during the Han Dynasty is preserved.

The weather was also kind, with the sun hiding behind clouds for most of the day and the temperature in the mid- 20s.

Several roads were closed to help crowd control.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, senior government officials and representatives from the Judiciary and both the executive and legislative councils attended the annual ceremony to commemorate those who died in the defense of Hong Kong between 1941 and 1945.

During the ceremony at the City Hall Memorial Garden in Central, wreaths were laid at the Cenotaph and a two-minute silence observed.