China's Ministry of Civil Affairs has been exploring the possibilities of more eco-friendly burials for the deceased, Beijing Times reports.

China's Ministry of Civil Affairs has been exploring the possibilities of more eco-friendly burials for the decease.[File photo]

In a report about the services for the upcoming Qingming (Tomb Sweeping) holiday, the Ministry of Civil Affairs says they are considering offering farewell halls and eco-friendly burials this year.

The ministry says local authorities should encourage new forms of burial such as casting the ashes into the sea or burying it under trees. The families that do this for the deceased will get subsidies.

The ministry also suggests cemeteries offer free or low-cost burial services, so as to reduce the need for tombs and tombstones.

The new report comes as a follow-up to the suggestions for cheaper, better burial services, which was issued last year.