Group 1: Aging Population and Funeral Costs - As of the end of 2024, Shanghai's registered population is projected to reach 15.38 million, with 5.78 million aged 60 and above, accounting for 37.6% of the total population [2] - The average funeral cost in China is approximately 37,375 yuan, which represents 45.4% of the annual average salary, ranking second globally [3] - In 2024, the average cost of a traditional funeral in China is expected to be around 78,000 yuan, with first-tier cities exceeding 150,000 yuan [3] Group 2: Emerging Funeral Trends - New funeral formats such as "space burial," where ashes are sent into space, are gaining attention, with companies like Celestis offering various pricing options [5][22] - Japan has introduced "balloon funerals," where ashes are placed in balloons and released into the sky, providing a lower-cost alternative to traditional burials [7] - The trend of simplifying funerals is evident, with the funeral simplification rate in China rising from 27% in 2020 to 58% by early 2025 [12] Group 3: Changing Attitudes Towards Death - Younger generations are increasingly engaging in "end-of-life planning," with 26.8% of respondents in their 20s participating in such activities, reflecting a desire for self-determination in funeral arrangements [15][17] - The shift in attitudes towards death and funerals is leading to a preference for cost-effective and personalized options over traditional practices [20] - The acceptance of ecological burials, such as sea burials and tree burials, is growing, with the proportion of ecological burials in China reaching 3.2% in 2024, up from 2.7% in 2023 [23]