Ban aims to promote a safe Qingming Festival: Nantong official

Nantong, Jiangsu province has stirred a widespread debate with its recent ban on the production and sale of feudal and superstitious funeral paraphernalia, with many Chinese netizens arguing that the ban failed to consider local customs and traditions, and overlooked the diverse cultural and traditional mourning practices of different groups.

The notice banned the production and sale of feudal and superstitious funeral goods, including ghost money and paper effigies on Tuesday.

Those found in violation of the ban will have their goods confiscated by civil affairs, market supervision and administration departments, and may face fines ranging from one to three times the amount of production or sales.

Wan Zhiguang, secretary-general of the Nantong Funeral Association, emphasized the importance of a civilized, low-carbon, and safe approach to tomb-sweeping, particularly during the traditional Qingming Festival.

He highlighted several recent incidents of fires caused by improper burning of paper offerings and stressed the need to learn from these environmental impacts.