Family members will be encouraged to share the same tombs, and ecologically friendly funerals will be promoted over the next five years in China, under a guideline jointly issued by central government departments designed to save land resources by stepping up funeral reforms.

The guideline, issued by nine departments on Wednesday, including the Ministry of Civil Affairs and National Development and Reform Commission, said the country will further promote eco-friendly funerals in the next five years, including sea burials and tree funerals - where ashes are buried and a tree is planted on the spot.

The guideline said burials that take up little or no land will be promoted in the next five years. In densely populated areas, authorities will promote vertical burials, including ways to store cremated remains in buildings, walls or towers.