A family in Liaoning Province faced government reprimand and public backlash after burying a luxury Mercedes-Benz S450L along with their deceased patriarch in what authorities described as an illegal and environmentally harmful act.
The unusual funeral ceremony, which took place in northern China, quickly went viral online and led to official intervention from local authorities.
Luxury Car Worth ₹1.49 Crore Buried With Car Collector
The deceased, believed to be in his 70s, was reportedly an avid car collector. In what they described as a tribute to his passion, his children decided to bury one of his prized possessions — a Mercedes-Benz S450L valued at around 1.1 million yuan (approximately ₹1.49 crore).
The vehicle carried a special “8888” licence plate, considered highly auspicious in Chinese culture. The number plate itself was estimated to be worth at least 100,000 yuan (around ₹13.6 lakh).
According to reports cited by the South China Morning Post, the luxury sedan was decorated with red ribbons tied to its side mirrors and covered with a red cloth before burial — colours traditionally associated with respect and ritual in Chinese customs.
Villagers who helped lower the car into the grave were reportedly given 500-yuan (₹6,812) red envelopes as a token of appreciation.
Authorities Step In, Cite ‘Feudal Superstition’
Local authorities intervened the very next day after learning about the burial. Officials from the civil affairs bureau reprimanded the family, stating that burying valuable items such as cars constitutes illegal burial practices and falls under what they described as “feudal superstition.”
The family was ordered to:
- Cover the costs of excavating the buried vehicle
- Pay for site clearance
- Fund environmental restoration of the affected area
They also issued a public apology and could face additional fines depending on the outcome of further investigation.
Traditional Funeral Customs Involved — But Taken To An Extreme
In traditional Chinese funerals, mourners commonly burn paper replicas of houses, cars, and appliances. These symbolic items are believed to provide comfort and wealth to the deceased in the afterlife.
However, authorities indicated that burying a real luxury vehicle crossed legal and environmental boundaries, making the act unacceptable under current regulations.
Social Media Divided Over Viral Funeral
The incident sparked intense debate across Chinese social media platforms, with reactions ranging from outrage to sympathy.
Many users criticised the family for what they perceived as an extravagant and irresponsible display of wealth.
One social media user wrote:
“This is ridiculous. They only care about the afterlife but ignore the pollution they cause in the world of the living.”
Another commented:
“Rich people with this kind of cluelessness are a real problem for the world. Authorities should check if they have broken any other laws.”
However, some defended the family, saying the act reflected grief and respect for the deceased rather than arrogance.