Funeral services are divided into basic and non-basic categories; a list of basic services exists, with their fees set by law

Transporting the body, storing it, the farewell, cremation, storing the ashes, and ecological burial are all on the national list of basic items. Burial in an ash niche provided by a public institution is on that list too. The prices of these items are set by the rules. Outside the list, they are not allowed to invent extra items and charge for them. Before you set out, first ask which items count as basic and what the local standard is, then talk about the rest.

Cost

There is no cost involved. Just spend a few minutes before departure to review the official list.

Benefit

All essential funeral services — including body transport, storage, cremation, memorial services, and eco-friendly burial — are included in the official list. Government-run funeral centers also offer designated burial plots under this same list. Their pricing follows legal standards, meaning funeral homes cannot set prices arbitrarily. Non-basic services are defined separately by civil affairs bureaus at or above the prefecture level.

Notes

Provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities may add extra items to the national list. Always verify which services are classified as basic and what their local pricing is before proceeding. It is perfectly acceptable to want a dignified funeral for a loved one; this guideline does not discourage that. Its sole purpose is to clarify which services are fixed-price basics and which are optional extras. Once this distinction is clear, you can decide where to allocate funds — and avoid unnecessary overcharges during an already difficult time.

Sources · 1

1. 国务院 (2026). 殡葬管理条例（国务院令第 824 号，2025 年 11 月 14 日国务院第 72 次常务会议修订通过，「自2026年3月30日起施行」）. gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202601/content_70541… 第五条：「殡葬服务分为基础项目和非基础项目，收费政策由国务院发展改革部门、财政部门会同国务院民政等部门制定。」「国家制定殡葬服务基础项目清单，将遗体接运、遗体存放、遗体告别、遗体火化、骨灰寄存、生态安葬以及政府举办的殡葬服务机构提供的骨灰格位安葬等纳入清单范围」；第五十条「殡葬服务实行清单化管理并动态调整，禁止在清单之外设立项目、收取费用。」