Shandong county promotes new lifestyle

The longstanding issues of lavish banquets and increasing monetary gifts for weddings and funerals pose significant challenges in Linqu county, Weifang, Shandong province, and are largely fueled by an inclination among locals to compare themselves with others.

In response, Linqu has set up a special task force to drive reforms in funeral customs, urging villagers to discard antiquated practices and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle.

The task force consists of party members, who conduct regular campaigns to encourage the populace to abandon outdated customs and adhere to village regulations and agreements.

Rural residents of Linqu gradually embrace a new lifestyle. [Photo by Wang Ying, Yi Chunying/for chinadaily.com.cn]

"When weddings or funerals take place in the village, we have designated individuals to intervene and guide the proceedings. Ecological public cemeteries are also provided free of charge for villagers," said Li Honglong, the Party branch secretary of Hejiawa village.

"In addition, social welfare cemeteries have also been set up for villagers to use, reducing funeral expenses," he added.

Linqu has conducted more than 2,000 events focused on transforming social customs, reaching more than 70,000 people. These initiatives have reshaped their perspectives and practices related to wedding and funeral customs, contributing to the development of a more harmonious and civilized society. (Edited by Fu Qi)