From birth to death, this is the natural order of things. After a person passes away, it is only natural to provide a proper burial and to hold appropriate memorial services to express grief and honor the deceased. Throughout Chinese history and among peoples around the world, there have been various methods for interring the dead. The two principal forms are earth burial and cremation, with earth burial being by far the most widely practiced. However, earth burial consumes arable land, wastes timber, and—given that successive feudal ruling classes in China codified elaborate funerary rites and prolonged mourning periods as part of ritual law—it often drove many families into financial ruin. Cremation, on the other hand, does not encroach upon farmland, dispenses with the need for a coffin, reduces costs associated with embalming and burial, and poses no obstacle to remembrance of the departed. Although in both ancient and modern China this method has thus far been adopted mainly by a small minority, it must be acknowledged as one of the most rational ways to lay the dead to rest; indeed, it is already commonplace in certain countries. Accordingly, we propose that, initially among a select group—specifically, leading cadres in state organs—individuals who so choose should opt for cremation after their death. To facilitate cremation, in addition to the existing crematoria in Beijing, Shanghai, Hankou, Changsha, and other cities, we suggest that the state further construct several modern crematoriums in certain large and medium-sized cities as well as in other suitable locations.

We believe that the manner of burying the dead should respect people’s voluntary choices. The promotion of cremation among the general public must proceed gradually and strictly on a purely voluntary basis, without any coercion whatsoever. The vast majority of Chinese people have long been accustomed to earth burial, and as long as they continue to prefer this practice, the state should not interfere. Existing graves should likewise not be treated carelessly. The tombs of revolutionary martyrs, as well as ancient tombs that have become historical monuments, must be carefully preserved. As for ordinary family graves, if relocation is desired, the consent of the relatives concerned must be obtained.

All government officials who support the practice of cremation are requested to sign below. By signing, each person hereby declares that they will personally undergo cremation upon their death, and that those surviving them shall ensure that the deceased’s wish for cremation is fulfilled.