Stories from Yitong · China

Authorities in Yitong County have identified 35 luxury cemeteries that violate construction regulations. Local government officials in Yitong County have dispatched a task force to investigate illegal residential-style cemetery constructions. Authorities confirmed that 35 luxury cemeteries were built in violation of regulations and have been sealed. According to the Yitong County Civil Affairs Bureau, these sites will be converted into columbaria under a rectification plan. Each new columbarium is expected to provide between 60 and 90 niches.

Authorities in Yitong County are investigating illegal construction projects on arable land and ecological zones. The investigation follows regulations prohibiting construction approvals on farmland and Yangtze River ecological zones. Local authorities confirmed to CNR Voice of China that the projects violate regulations and are urging companies to undergo rectification. The local civil affairs department stated that most companies must complete the conversion of these sites into columbaria by the end of July 2024. One converted site is reported to contain between 60 and 90 individual niches. Villagers claim the land used for the cemetery was previously their farmland. While villagers hold certificates identifying the land as basic farmland, natural resources department databases show the plots were reclassified as general farmland in 2017.