Sea burials are gaining popularity in China as more families choose this eco-friendly funeral option.
Sea burial, an eco-friendly alternative to traditional graves, is increasingly chosen in China. A ceremony was held on March 29 in Tianjin’s Bohai Bay, where families from Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei released 37 sets of ashes into the sea.
The event began at a cruise terminal. After a short departure ceremony, a designated vessel carried families to the burial site. Staff guided participants as they scattered ashes into the water, followed by a brief collective tribute.
In a sea burial, families do not keep the ashes.
Rising Numbers in Major Cities
China began promoting sea burials in the 1990s. Beijing launched organised services in 1994.
According to local civil affairs authorities, the city has held about 950 group ceremonies to date. Nearly 40,000 people have chosen sea burial, with services provided to more than 120,000 family members.
Shanghai, one of the earliest adopters, reports a larger scale. Since 1991, close to 100,000 people have had their ashes scattered at sea. In 2025, the annual number exceeded 10,000 for the first time.
Authorities say participation has increased steadily in recent years.
Changing Funeral Choices
Several factors have contributed to the shift.
Sea burials are usually subsidised by the government and provided free of charge. The approach reduces the need for land use and lowers funeral costs.
It also reflects changing attitudes. Some families choose not to keep ashes and prefer a simpler form of burial.
Participants in Tianjin said they were following the wishes of the deceased. Some families noted they would visit the seaside in place of a grave or memorial site.
Moreover, Shanghai authorities have set up memorial parks for those who choose sea burial. Authorities record the names of the deceased, providing a place for remembrance.
Sea burial is one of several ecological options being promoted in China. Authorities view it as part of broader efforts to encourage more sustainable funeral practices.
Written by Ronnie Yu, additional reporting by CNS.
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