In recent days, the appearance of an “ownerless tomb” in a residential area in Longgang, Shenzhen has raised concerns among the residents. The Longgang District Civil Affairs Bureau stated that this is a “Land Deity Temple” left by the original residents in the vicinity.
Recently, news about the construction of tombs in a residential area in Longgang, Shenzhen, has sparked attention on the internet and within the community.
On August 30, reporters from Jiupai News visited the residential area and found that the so-called “tomb” was not located within the community but on a public land adjacent to the community. Construction scenes could be seen from the windows of some high-rise units in the community.
A construction worker mentioned that it was not a tomb but a Land Deity Temple. The construction of this “Land Deity Temple” is led by a certain family to inherit their cultural and religious traditions. The project has already gone through the approval process.
The worker stated that the main construction has been completed, and they are currently building a brick kiln for burning ritual money. He emphasized that it is not a new construction but a renovation.
On the 30th of August, the Longgang District Civil Affairs Bureau responded by confirming that the building in question is a folk structure related to local beliefs left by the original residents in the area, commonly known as a “Land Deity Temple.” It is neither an ownerless tomb nor falls under the bureau’s jurisdiction for funeral and burial reform management.
In response to this, mainland Chinese netizens have been discussing:
“There should be a proper design for both Land Deity Temples and ancestral temples. The current design indeed resembles a tomb, which is inappropriate.”
“Ancestral temples usually have buildings and deity statues. The design in the article may be influenced by local customs or financial considerations.”
“The design looks like a tombstone! It’s fine to have Land Deity Temples and ancestral temples, but they shouldn’t be shaped like this.”
“Ancestral temples are usually located at the entrance or end of villages, and they are widely spread in Hakka and Chaoshan regions. They are not tombs, typically small temples or a sacred tree.”
“I remember there was an ancestral temple in the village when I was young, and then realized that every village and every surname clan have their own ancestral temple. During Qingming Festival, people passing by would pay their respects. However, they don’t look like tombstones.”
“The designer’s consideration was lacking. They should refer to other Land Deity Temples for a simple design. Just make it a place for offerings on the first and fifteenth day of each lunar month, light three sticks of incense, and pray for everyone’s safety and health.”