Story perspectives

China's Rising Burial Costs Shift Families to Ashes in Flats

4/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Burial space in China is increasingly scarce and expensive, prompting families to seek alternatives.
Families are purchasing flats to store ashes instead of traditional graves, reflecting changing burial practices.
Rising cemetery costs, driven by urban development and an ageing population, have sparked public debate.
In Shanghai, Songhe Cemetery priced graves at about 760,000 yuan per square meter.
The average housing price in Shanghai was about 55,000 yuan per square meter.

1 of 1

Story summary

Burial space in China is increasingly scarce and expensive, prompting families to seek alternatives.
Families are purchasing flats to store ashes instead of traditional graves, reflecting changing burial practices.
Rising cemetery costs, driven by urban development and an ageing population, have sparked public debate.
In Shanghai, Songhe Cemetery priced graves at about 760,000 yuan per square meter.
The average housing price in Shanghai was about 55,000 yuan per square meter.