One of the oldest beliefs in Chinese culture is the idea of life after death. This belief has been long held, and even caused on of the former emperors to bury an entire clay army for use in the afterlife. Along with this belief, the Chinese believe you need your body for your afterlife, one reason why organ donation is not popular in Chinese culture (what would you do without a heart in your after life body?). In addition, this is why cremation is not used either. You need to keep your body for the afterlife. Burial is the norm, and in fact there are entire beliefs around where and how a body should be buried. There are places that are considered auspicious places to be buried, and many of these are on mountain or hillsides, in order to be buried with mountain or hill to your back (very similar to the idea in Feng Shui of where to place your house).
In Taiwan these beliefs are still held. My great grandfather (on my mother's side), believed strongly that everyone should have a proper burial, regardless of their stature in their life on earth. They deserved to have an auspicious after life. He was a prosperous man, and did quite well in Taiwan with his business. He was considered a generous man, since he offered to pay for the burial of those who could not afford a proper burial and resting spot. His name is well honored in a Buddhist temple in Taiwan, having the top spot in the temple, the person held in highest regard.
My grandfather followed in my great grandfather's footsteps and was also a generous man, continuing many of the philanthropic activities of my great grandfather.
