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

Transporting, storing, and cremating a body, holding a farewell ceremony, keeping ashes in storage, and eco-friendly burial options — all fall under the national list of basic services. This also includes burial spaces provided by government-run funeral agencies. Prices for these services are strictly regulated by law; no extra fees may be charged outside this list. Before making any arrangements, be sure to confirm which services are considered basic and what the local rates are.

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

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.

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.

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」）. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202601/content_7054169.htm 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。」