Writer breathing new life into cemeteries

The cemetery in Guizhou is more like a park of beautiful landscapes. Photo provided to China Daily

He suggested that the government build a public cemetery where people could pay homage to the deceased and enjoy the surroundings, but he was mocked.

He then decided to build such a cemetery himself.

"I knew I wasn't daydreaming. That there has not been such a place doesn't means people don't need it," Li says.

Li devoted his resources to realizing his vision.

He didn't know at the time it would take eight years to get official permission from the government, despite the cemetery being built in 1993.

He also didn't know that decision would change his life.

The years he has spent running the cemetery have given him a glimpse into the lives of others and a deeper understanding of human nature.

Li is now a consultant to China Funeral Association, the only businessman among all the consultants.

He also invites established intellectuals to give free lectures on culture and philosophy to the public.

Funeral traditions and homage activities to the dead show Chinese people's value of filial piety. But in recent years, traditions have been influenced by politics and commercialization, Li says, adding he considers any profit secondary to the cemetery's social value.

"I continue to run the cemetery in my own way, because I believe without piety and gratefulness, funerals and homage activities are simply ways to get rid of the dead," Li says.

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