Operators of a Tianjin public cemetery were found to have illegally sold close to 3,000 tombs — housing some 100,000 urns — designated to be used by local residents, according to reports by mainland media.

Tomb units have been sold at prices between 3,000 yuan (US$440) and 7,000 yuan per square meter since being put on the underground market in 2010, the reports said.

Located in Tianjin’s Binhai New Area, the cemetery resembles a typical residential estate in mainland China and consists of 16 blocks, each with six floors. Every floor houses about 25 apartment-like tombs, each spanning 200 to 500 square feet.

According to media reports, each unit has windows blocked with black curtains while a plaque bearing the deceased’s family name hangs over the entrance.

Staff members said descendents of those with urns at the cemetery often visit during Ching Ming Festival every year.

While the tombs aren’t allowed to be privately sold, a staffer claimed that all unoccupied units were available on the market and were often sold under the guise of “long-term rental agreements” to evade detection.

Demand for private cemetery units in mainland China has been high, with sales easily reaching 100 spots a day, according to reports.

The Tianjin Civil Affairs Bureau said it would take action against anyone found guilty of selling public cemetery units on the private market. A heavy penalty would be imposed, it said.

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