Protests have erupted in Shidong town, located in China’s southern Guizhou province, amid a growing wave of rural unrest, which has risen by 70% compared with last year. The demonstrations were sparked over the weekend after local authorities issued a directive requiring cremation rather than burial of the deceased a move that clashes with longstanding cultural traditions in the area.
Guizhou, a predominantly rural and economically disadvantaged province, is home to a significant population of the Miao ethnic minority, for whom burial is an integral part of ancestral rites. Unverified footage circulating on social media shows villagers confronting authorities, with one protester reportedly shouting, “If the Communist Party is digging up ancestors’ graves, go dig up Xi Jinping’s ancestral tombs first.” Other videos depict crowds surrounding police vehicles during the unrest.
The local government defended its directive, citing a 2003 law and arguing that cremation helps conserve land and promotes a “frugal new funeral style.” The policy aligns with broader national efforts to address limited cemetery space, including alternative practices such as sea burials. However, for many rural residents, cremation is seen as an infringement on cultural and familial traditions.
Reports from social media highlight the personal pressures imposed on families. One villager from Xifeng county, which administers Shidong town, said his grandfather had been cremated under official pressure, with warnings that non-compliance could negatively impact three generations. Many online users expressed support for the protests, emphasizing the importance of preserving traditional burial practices.
According to the China Dissent Monitor (CDM), 2025 has seen a sharp rise in rural protests, with 661 incidents recorded a 70% increase over 2024. The third quarter alone logged nearly 1,400 incidents of unrest, a 45% increase from the previous year. While many protests are driven by economic grievances, others, such as the Guizhou cremation dispute, involve deeply personal and culturally sensitive matters. Kevin Slaten, CDM’s research lead, noted that protests over personal or heritage-related issues are more likely to be prolonged and large-scale.
Similar patterns have emerged elsewhere, including a multi-day protest in Sichuan province in August triggered by a school bullying incident, demonstrating the growing willingness of rural communities to challenge government policies.
The Xifeng local government has not commented on the ongoing demonstrations.
