China Bone Ash Apartments Ban Explained
The Chinese authorities are planning to outlaw a practice that is gaining popularity, whereby families keep cremated remains inside empty apartments. The “bone ash apartment” trend has been gaining attention because of high funeral prices and the limited space in cemeteries.
Why Families are choosing apartments
Recent property price drops have helped to make empty apartments more accessible. Many families convert their apartments into memorial spaces, often by placing ashes and small shrines inside.
Limited space and high burial costs
Cemeteries plots, on top of all that, aren’t permanent. The cost of funerals is also very high. Previous reports have shown that they can consume a significant portion of a family’s average annual income.
Reactions and Concerns of the Public
Many have asked how the rules would be implemented. Many people argue the reason for this practice is that traditional burials are expensive.On Chinese social media sites like Weibo, users have expressed concerns over privacy and practicality.
New Rules for the Funeral Industry
This announcement is made just before Qingming Festival when graves are cleaned by families. The officials also intend to implement broader reforms within the funeral industry.
