Hong Kong’s 12-storey tower opened for dead bodies

Hong Kong: Hong Kong's Shan Sum Columbarium, a newly opened 12-storey tower, provides a solution to the city's shortage of urn spaces.

With plans to accommodate 23,000 niches for funeral urns, the tower aims to ease the strain caused by the city's densely populated neighborhoods.

Previously, mourning families had to wait for years to secure a spot for their loved ones' ashes.

The Shan Sum columbarium, designed by German architect Ulrich Kirchhoff, blends elements of nature with high-density spaces, creating a "neighborhood village feel" within the modern building.

Inspired by traditional Chinese graveyards, the columbarium features ornate compartments for storing ashes, ensuring intimacy and dignity for the deceased.

However, the cost of renting these spaces remains a concern, with prices ranging from $58,000 for a two-person option to nearly $3 million for a family package.