China to further promote funeral reform

BEIJING - The government will make efforts to increase funding for funerals, construct more non-profit tombs and improve funeral services, a government official said Friday.

The Ministry of Civil Affairs will closely cooperate with relevant departments to maintain a harmonious atmosphere during the upcoming Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 4 this year, said Vice-Minister of Civil Affairs Dou Yupei.

Dou called for credible and fair trade in funeral-related businesses and urged the ministry to meet people's requests regarding funeral charges and quality.

"The ministry will also probe new methods to promote funeral reform in accordance with the people's will," Dou said.

According to the ministry, multiple government departments will follow the ministry's instructions in order to improve funeral equipment, optimize funeral service environments and enrich funeral activities, as well as regulate funerals.

The Qingming Festival is a centuries-old holiday for mourning one's deceased ancestors and loved ones.