Protests in Guizhou Over Funeral Policy Highlight Rising Rural Unrest in China

Protests in Guizhou Over Funeral Policy Highlight Rising Rural Unrest in China
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Protests have erupted in Shidong town, Guizhou province, after local authorities encouraged cremation over traditional burial, The Guardian reported. The demonstrations, which began over the weekend, reflect growing frustration in rural areas, with incidents of unrest nationwide rising 70% compared with last year, according to China Dissent Monitor (CDM).

Guizhou, a poor, predominantly rural province, is home to many Miao ethnic minority residents who consider burial an important cultural practice. Unverified videos circulated online show villagers confronting police and voicing anger over the directive, with some citing ancestral rights. Authorities said the cremation policy, based on a 2003 law, aims to preserve land resources and promote a “frugal new funeral style.”

The protests have persisted for several days, a duration that researchers say is unusual and indicative of strong personal or cultural stakes. CDM recorded 661 rural protests so far this year, with many driven by economic grievances or perceived government overreach. Social media responses, including posts on Douyin, show significant public support for maintaining burial traditions.

Experts note that when state policies encroach on cultural or personal practices, such as funerals or ancestral heritage, rural communities are more likely to organize sustained demonstrations, highlighting ongoing tensions between local governance and traditional customs in China.