While some traditional Chinese death rituals use the three-humped rectangle shaped casket, more modern Chinese use the Western-style caskets.

Washed with care, dusted with talcum powder and dressed in the very best clothes from their personal wardrobe. The person is usually dressed in black, blue or brown but never red as it is believed that this will cause the corpse to become a ghost. The body is then placed on a mat with the face covered with a yellow cloth and the body covered with a blue cloth.

A red plaque with a suitable inscription may be placed outside the house at this time to ensure that the soul does not get lost. Flour or talcum powder may be dusted on the floor of the entrance hall of the home to detect the visit.