Local government workers in China smashed their way through thousands of coffins as part of a campaign to promote cremation.

The radical measures were part of funeral reforms being introduced in the country's south.

Thousands of coffins were smashed by diggers in Ji’an City in southeastern Jiangxi Province on July 25.

Officers exhumed bodies while some locals climbed into coffins in protest.

Thousands of wooden coffins were piled on a vacant parking lot and smashed by diggers.

According to reports, in Jiangxi Province traditional culture dictates that residents save up for years to buy their own coffins to place at their home when they reach 60 years old. It is seen as a mark of good fortune and longevity.

But now, in order to save land, local authorities issued the regulations to outlaw traditional burials, making it illegal to make, sell and own coffins.

Around 25,000 coffins were collected in Ji'an city, reports said.

The measures have prompted a backlash online in China.