Shanghai is planning to raise the subsidy offered for sea burials to help preserve its limited land resources, Jiefang Daily reported.
The subsidy currently stands at 2,000 yuan ($317). Shanghai began subsidizing sea burials in 2003 with 150 yuan. The new amount has not been reported.
People who attend a sea burial ceremony will have to pay about 350 yuan per person, including transportation and utilities. Coastal cities like Qingdao and Xiamen offer free sea burials for its citizens.
The city also put forward a pilot scheme last year that allows childless old people to opt for a sea burial service after death. Starting this year, the service will be available for those whose children are unable to afford a burial service, the paper said.
