When it comes to china to ban storing remains of dead in ‘bone ash apartments’, china is set to implement a new law prohibiting the storage of cremated remains in residential apartments as part of its efforts to address the growing challenges of urbanization and an aging population. This legislation, which goes into effect on Tuesday, comes just before the Qingming Festival, a time when many Chinese families honor their ancestors by cleaning graves and making offerings.
Understanding China To Ban Storing Remains Of Dead In ‘bone Ash Apartments’
The recently drafted funeral management law will ban the use of residential properties for storing cremated remains, commonly known as "guhui fang" or bone ash apartments. It also prohibits the burial of corpses and the construction of tombs outside designated public cemeteries. As urban areas become increasingly crowded and cemetery spaces diminish, this law aims to regulate a practice that has emerged as a response to high costs and limited availability of traditional burial sites. Originally reported by The Guardian.
According to data from a 2020 global funeral expense survey by insurer SunLife, China ranks second in the world for funeral costs, trailing only Japan. The financial strain associated with traditional burials is compounded by the fact that cemetery plots in China typically come with a 20-year lease, while residential properties boast government-backed usage rights of 70 years.
Urbanization and Aging Population Drive Demand
The practice of using empty high-rise apartments to store ashes has surged as urbanization and a rapidly aging population intensify competition for limited burial spaces. In major cities like Shanghai, property prices have fallen by 40% between 2021 and 2025, largely due to President Xi Jinping's campaign to curb excessive speculation in the real estate market, encapsulated in the slogan, "properties are for living in, not for speculation." As a result, many citizens are opting for apartments as a more economically viable alternative to cemetery plots.
Families often transform these empty apartments into makeshift ancestral shrines, complete with candles, red lights, and urns arranged by generation, creating a space for rituals and remembrance. This cultural adaptation reflects the deep-rooted Chinese traditions surrounding ancestor worship and the importance of honoring familial ties.
Public Reaction and Social Media Response
The announcement of the new law has sparked significant debate on social media platforms, particularly Weibo, where a hashtag related to the ban has garnered over 7 million views. Users have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of enforcing the law. One user questioned, "Who's going to go in and check? Or are they planning to put a GPS tracker on every single urn?" Another remarked, "Even at 90% off, cemetery plots are still too expensive."
These reactions highlight the ongoing concerns among the public regarding the affordability and accessibility of traditional burial options, as well as the practicality of the new regulations. Many citizens are grappling with the implications of a growing population of elderly individuals while navigating the restrictions imposed by the new law.
Government Initiatives to Address Burial Costs
As the number of deaths in China rises-recording 11.3 million fatalities in 2025 compared to 9.8 million in 2015-the government is exploring alternative burial methods to alleviate the pressure on public cemeteries. Authorities in cities like Shanghai are now subsidizing costs for ecological burial options, such as deep-ground burial and sea burials of cremated remains. In 2025, Shanghai reported a record high of over 10,000 sea burials, reflecting a shift in public sentiment towards more Environmentally friendly practices.
This initiative not only addresses the issue of land scarcity but also aligns with broader environmental goals. As the government continues to respond to demographic changes and urban pressures, these measures may become increasingly important in shaping future funeral practices in China.
The introduction of this legislation marks a significant shift in how China approaches death and remembrance. As urban living continues to evolve, the cultural practices surrounding funerals will likely adapt alongside these changes, posing both challenges and opportunities for families seeking to honor their loved ones.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.