More Chinese turn to virtual memorials during Qing Ming

Firms rolling out services to meet demand amid Beijing's push for 'fireless' practices

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During the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns, virtual memorials gained popularity in China as in-person tomb sweeping was not allowed.

Even as restrictions have eased, families, friends and former colleagues continue to visit online memorials during the Qing Ming Festival, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, and other important occasions.

Tech companies have also revamped their products to keep up with demand.

Some have transitioned away from designs best suited for desktops and laptops, and focused on devices with smaller screens such as smartphones and tablets, aiming to provide round-the-clock access through portable devices.

Other tech firms have employed technologies such as generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots and animated photos to make the age-old tradition more interactive and laden with emotional value.

Created in 2013 - first in the format of a website and then morphing into a built-in service on messaging tool WeChat - Gurenju, or Home of the Deceased, is part of this trend.

One message on Gurenju reads, "Deeply mourning my kind father Lu Shuming". Clicking on the message ushers visitors into a digital hall dedicated to the late stage actor from Xi'an, Shaanxi province, who died of a heart attack in 2022 at the age of 66.

Inside is a portrait of Mr Lu, depicting him with a salt-and-pepper beard and looking resolutely at the camera. A detailed obituary is attached below, highlighting the award-winning actor's career, including his performance in a play in Beijing in 1999 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the People's Republic of China.

The obituary, signed by Mr Lu's family, read: "With over 40 years of his artistic involvement, my father has always respected life in artistic creation and adhered to drawing inspiration from life."