An estimated eight million Chinese die every year. And that number is rising, due to the country's ageing population. This is now placing an increasing strain on funeral homes, which are struggling to cope with an impending shortage of graves. The government has already taken measures. For instance, the law in China states bodies must be cremated, and the ashes buried. But in spite of such efforts, the number of available cemetery slots continues to shrink.

In Shanghai, public cemeteries are running out of space.

There are over 40 cemeteries in the city. Most will be completely full in 10 to 15 years' time.

And on a national stage, the problem is even more severe. A recent government report said available land for burials will be used up in just six years.

Dwindling slots and rising demand has driven up prices for graves... with some being sold for over 100,000 yuan or 16,000 U.S. dollars.

The problem has also led to smaller graves.

Meanwhile, authorities and funeral homes are coming up with alternative choices for people to bury their dead.

One of these alternatives is sea burials. Since 2013, the Shanghai government have been offering subsidies to those who opt for the sea as a final resting place.

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