CCTV9英语新闻：China moves to alleviate funeral poverty（在线收听）

Rich or poor, death is something that comes to us all. Yet for many in China, the cost of giving loved ones a proper send-off is an increasing struggle. To help those families living below the poverty line, welfare funerals are being introduced in some cities.

When 82-year-old Yin Wancai’s wife suddenly passed away, the cost of her funeral was well beyond his modest savings. 

Death is a matter taken very seriously in Chinese society. But for a family which lives on social benefits, it can be a liability.

Funeral costs have surged from hundreds of yuan in the 1980s to tens of thousands of yuan today; in some cities the cost of a grave per square meter can be twice as much as an apartment. For families on low incomes, they simply can't "afford" to die.

"It's a lot of money for him...And the family wasn't sure about whether the system of basic living allowances can cover the costs of the funeral," said Liu Qingzhe, a neighbor of Yin Wancai.

The sharp rise in what’s become known as “funeral poverty” is one of the grimmer trends in Chinese society. Those less well-off like Yin Wancai are not looking for a lavish send-off, but just the means to bury or cremate their loved ones.

To help them, welfare funerals have been introduced by local authorities.

"Our welfare scheme covers every aspect which one can think of about a funeral. From the dead body transportation and cremation, to cinerary casket and funeral ceremony. We even offer cemeteries or sea burial services, all for free," said Zhong Yunpeng, Manager of Yingkou Funeral Parlor.

Today, the Chinese value their age-old funeral rites as much as they value advancements in modernization. And no matter rich or poor, people should always have the right to a dignified funeral.