Yunnan orders modest funerals, graves

Members of the Communist Party of China and officials in Yunnan province have been ordered to have simple funerals and small graves, as local authorities try to push forward funeral reform and curb extravagance.

According to a notice issued by the provincial government last week, Party members and officials must observe frugality rules for funerals. Memorial meetings have also been banned.

"The problems of improper disposal of bodies or building large or ornate mausoleums remain rampant. Some Party members were using funerals of family members as opportunities to receive cash gifts, or add feudal or superstitious elements to the activities," the notice said.