BEIJING: China is set to introduce a new law banning people from storing cremated remains in empty apartments, a practice that has become increasingly common due to high funeral costs and limited cemetery space.
The practice, known as “bone ash apartments,” involves families placing the ashes of their loved ones inside unused residential flats and turning them into small memorial spaces or shrines. These apartments are often kept sealed, with closed curtains or blocked windows.
Authorities say the new legislation will prohibit using residential properties specifically for storing ashes. It will also ban burials outside officially approved cemeteries or designated ecological burial areas.
The trend has grown in recent years as property prices have dropped sharply, making it cheaper to buy or rent an empty apartment than to pay for a burial plot. Reports suggest property prices in China have fallen significantly since 2021.
At the same time, cemetery space is limited and often expensive. Burial plots in Beijing can range from around 10,000 yuan to as high as 300,000 yuan, depending on location and type. Many plots are leased for only 20 years, adding to long-term costs for families.
Funeral expenses are also considered high. Previous surveys have shown that funeral costs can take up a large portion of an average household’s annual income.
The upcoming ban has sparked debate online, with many questioning how the rules will be enforced and pointing out that high burial costs are the main reason behind the practice. Some users asked how authorities would even detect if ashes were being stored inside private apartments.
The announcement comes just days before the Qingming Festival, a time when families visit graves, clean tombs, and pay respects to their ancestors.
Officials have also announced plans to regulate the funeral industry more strictly, aiming to reduce costs, improve transparency, and prevent exploitation of grieving families.
