The family members of any person with a Guangzhou household registry who died after Jan 1 and is willing to be buried at sea will receive 1,000 yuan ($161) given by the city's civil affairs bureau, Guangzhou's government said on Sunday.

In addition, the sea burial will also be free.

Guangzhou's government said that the move aims to deepen the reform of funeral procedures, save land and change social traditions.

Those who are not entitled to the subsidy can still request a free sea burial for family members or friends.

liwenfang@chinadaily.com.cn