Core Insights - The article highlights the unexpected global popularity of Chinese "ghost money," particularly during Halloween, where a Chinese vendor in France attracted significant attention and sales from foreign customers [1][3]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The vendor's stall featured "Heaven and Earth Bank" and images of the Jade Emperor, which piqued the curiosity of onlookers, leading to a surge in sales [3]. - The pricing of ghost money on international platforms like Amazon ranges from $7 to $20 for a bundle of 200 notes, which is 40 times higher than domestic prices, indicating a lucrative market opportunity [11]. Group 2: Cultural Perception - Foreign customers have reinterpreted ghost money, viewing it as a form of "fortune" and "blessing," rather than a traditional mourning item, as evidenced by comments on social media about its perceived benefits [6][9]. - The term "Ancestor Money" has been adopted by foreigners, reflecting a localized understanding of the product and its cultural significance [15]. Group 3: Production and Export - The majority of ghost money is produced in Hebei's Mibeizhuang village, known as the "underground Wall Street," which has over 500 funeral supply stores and has seen a 200% increase in export volume in 2023 [22]. - The village has adapted to international demand by creating region-specific versions of ghost money, such as dollar and euro editions, which cater to various cultural celebrations [15][22]. Group 4: Social Media Influence - Videos showcasing the burning of ghost money have gone viral, with one tutorial on YouTube surpassing 1 billion views, indicating a strong interest in the cultural practices associated with ghost money [9]. - The phenomenon has led to the emergence of related products, such as e-books and paper replicas of luxury items, further expanding the market [11].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the transformation of the old Gaopu Village in Guangzhou's Zengcheng District into a "Happy Village" through the empowerment of traditional culture, particularly focusing on filial piety as a means of rural revitalization [7][8][49]. Group 1: Event and Cultural Activities - An event themed "Filial Piety Culture Leading the Way: International Children's Day Celebration" was held in old Gaopu Village on June 1 [10]. - The village has hosted over 600 sessions of the "Filial Piety Congee" activity, benefiting more than 50,000 participants, fostering connections between the elderly and youth [27][31]. Group 2: Village Revitalization Efforts - The village, which has a history of over 600 years, was revitalized from a dilapidated state to a well-known "Happy Village" under the leadership of Xu Yanliang, a cultural heritage inheritor [11][7]. - Xu Yanliang took personal financial risks, including mortgaging his property to secure over 2 million yuan in loans for the village's revitalization [16][17]. Group 3: Community Engagement and Volunteerism - A robust volunteer service system has been established, involving university students and local entrepreneurs, to support elderly residents and engage youth in community activities [41][43]. - The "Filial Piety Congee" initiative has been expanded to all 38 villages in the town, becoming a model for community engagement and cultural transmission [30][31]. Group 4: Cultural Education and Brand Development - The village has transformed ancient buildings into cultural education venues, hosting lectures and traditional etiquette training to promote filial piety [45][46]. - The annual "Filial Piety Culture Festival" features various cultural activities, including storytelling and performances, to celebrate and educate about filial values [47][48]. Group 5: Sustainable Development and Ecological Initiatives - Xu Yanliang has collaborated with local companies to invest in ecological agriculture and develop organic farming practices, enhancing the village's economic sustainability [35][34]. - The village's approach combines traditional culture with modern governance, providing a valuable model for rural revitalization across the country [50].

Core Viewpoint - The phenomenon of "pension prevention from children" is becoming increasingly common among the elderly, reflecting a shift from the traditional belief of "raising children for old age" to a more self-reliant approach in financial management [2][3][6]. Group 1: Changing Attitudes Towards Elderly Financial Management - Many elderly individuals are now concealing their financial status from their children, viewing their savings as personal resources for retirement and medical expenses [3][4]. - The shift in mindset is evident among different generations, with older generations recognizing that having children does not guarantee support in old age, leading to proactive financial planning [4][19]. - Insurance sales have seen a rise in demand from the elderly, who often purchase policies without their children's knowledge, indicating a desire for financial independence [5][20]. Group 2: Strategies for Concealing Wealth - Elderly individuals are employing various strategies to hide their financial assets, such as spreading savings across multiple banks and using cash transactions to avoid leaving a digital trail [14][15]. - Some elderly people even resort to fabricating stories about their financial situations to maintain control over their assets and avoid conflicts with their children [11][13]. - The trend of "pension prevention from children" is characterized by a growing reluctance among the elderly to share their financial resources, driven by fears of dependency and family disputes [6][19]. Group 3: Generational Financial Misunderstandings - There is a notable disconnect between the financial perspectives of the elderly and their children, with the former viewing savings as essential for their own security, while the latter see it as inheritance [21]. - This generational gap in understanding financial responsibilities can lead to conflicts within families, as children may expect financial support from their parents [21][22]. Group 4: Cultural and Societal Influences - The decline of traditional filial piety and the inadequacy of social security systems are significant factors contributing to the rise of the "pension prevention from children" phenomenon [23][27]. - Urbanization and the shift to nuclear families have resulted in many elderly individuals feeling isolated and unsupported, prompting them to retain their financial resources [24][25]. - The lack of adequate social welfare, especially in rural areas, exacerbates the situation, as many elderly individuals are left to fend for themselves without sufficient institutional support [28][30].