Rows of neatly arranged columbarium units stand quietly in memorial halls, each golden panel engraved with a serial number and a name. People from various cultural backgrounds gather here to mourn and reflect in their own ways. These seemingly simple structures carry shared human emotions and the wisdom of saying farewell.

In Japanese temples, columbarium niches often feature strong Buddhist elements, with exquisite and solemn designs. In Malaysia, memorial facilities blend symbols from multiple religions, reflecting the coexistence of diverse cultures including Malay, Chinese, and Indian communities.

In China, following the 2018 ban on temple-based underground vaults, village memorial halls and public cemetery columbarium buildings have gradually emerged. Funeral culture centered on filial piety has now become mainstream.

01 Cultural Context: Unique Expressions of East Asian Funeral Traditions

The emergence of public columbaria was initially driven by the need to save land and centralize memorial services. In essence, these spaces serve as funeral facilities. In China, ancient burial customs were primarily influenced by Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.

Confucianism emphasizes family heritage, giving rise to ancestral halls and temples across the country. Taoism focuses on Feng Shui and harmony between humans and nature. Buddhism emphasizes rituals for the deceased and the concept of reincarnation.

The modern Chinese concept of “honoring the elderly while simplifying funerals” does not entirely abandon traditional customs but rather streamlines and adapts them. Ancestor worship and remembering the departed are widely valued. Whether far from home or living locally, people pay respects to their ancestors through memorial ceremonies.

These practices subtly strengthen family bonds, deepen emotional ties among relatives, and help pass down family values and traditions.

02 Material Evolution: From Wood to Aluminum Alloy

The earliest columbarium units were made of wood. Though often intricately carved and dignified, they were prone to decay and insect damage, resulting in a short lifespan. Later, plastic was introduced as an alternative, which performed slightly better than wood but was still susceptible to oxidation and lacked long-term durability.

The introduction of stainless steel marked significant progress. Compared to wood and plastic, stainless steel units are far more durable. However, they also have clear drawbacks: limited design options, tendency to oxidize and darken over time, difficulty in maintenance, and high cost.

Today, aluminum alloy has become the mainstream material choice. It offers strong corrosion resistance, with a surface highly resistant to decay, effectively preventing damage from acids, alkalis, and salts.

Even under harsh conditions, it guarantees over 50 years of use without corrosion, aging, fading, or peeling. Its surface is treated with refined electrophoretic coating, ensuring a bright finish that never fades.

Besides aluminum alloy, other materials are also available. Galvanized steel, for instance, is widely used in automotive and home appliance panels due to its corrosion resistance and high-quality surface finish.

Aluminum-plastic composite panels, an emerging material, have also been gradually adopted in columbarium manufacturing in recent years as the industry evolves.

03 Design Considerations: Blending Practicality and Culture

High-quality columbarium units are assembled from aluminum alloy profiles with modern structural designs. They are generally available in three types: standard, economy, and luxury. Panel designs can be customized according to client needs, with tailored dimensions and personalized elements.

A standard niche measures 700mm in width, 300mm in height, and 300mm in depth. Units are typically arranged in nine tiers, and overall layout can be designed based on the actual available space.

In terms of material quality, all primary materials must be shockproof, damp-proof, insect-resistant, flame-retardant, and waterproof. They should also prevent mold, resist aging, inhibit corrosion, provide thermal and acoustic insulation, offer strong load-bearing capacity, and be deformation-resistant and anti-oxidative.

Doors must be transparent and open to an angle of no less than 100 degrees for easy access. Each door should include a dedicated number plate and decorative corner patterns. The top and base should feature clean aesthetic lines, with materials ensuring superior rust and corrosion resistance.

04 Global Perspectives: Eco-Friendliness and Personalization

Internationally, the concept of green funerals is gaining momentum. Spanish entrepreneur Dudi de Comínguez introduced eco-friendly urns to China, stating, “For me, this isn’t about fame or profit. I want to change people’s perspectives and awareness.”

These eco-friendly urns are made from special materials. While they resemble metal or ceramic in appearance, their internal structure is similar to sand and rock salt, allowing them to decompose naturally when buried in soil or scattered at sea.

For those with a passion for the ocean, boat-shaped urns designed for sea burials offer a fitting tribute—their loved ones can drift with the currents before slowly settling into the deep.

Over the next 3–5 years, columbarium development will place greater emphasis on personalization, artistry, and sustainability. Customization will be reflected in product design, materials, and colors, allowing consumers to express the personality and taste of the departed.

Artistic value will also be prioritized, with designs that reflect the life experiences and cultural background of the deceased.

05 A Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Columbarium

When selecting a columbarium system, first consider the location—whether it’s a public cemetery, funeral home, or temple memorial hall. Different venues have varying needs regarding space, load-bearing capacity, and style.

It’s also important to determine the required number of units and their specifications, including size, number of tiers, and weight capacity, based on the number and dimensions of the urns to be stored.

Functional needs are another key factor. Beyond basic storage, consider whether additional features such as climate control, security locks, or smart recognition systems are necessary.

Choosing the right supplier is critical. Select one with relevant qualifications and experience, and ask for proof of production licenses and quality certifications.

Strict quality control is essential. Request product samples for testing and evaluation. Also, opt for a supplier with comprehensive after-sales support to ensure timely and effective assistance throughout procurement and usage.

When budgeting, compare prices and proposals from multiple suppliers. Consider cost, quality, and service holistically. Develop a detailed budget covering product cost, transportation, installation, and taxes—and adhere to it closely.