Core Viewpoint - The article explores the concept of the "otherworld" in ancient Chinese thought, particularly during the pre-Qin period, highlighting two main interpretations: one as an idealized, unreachable realm and the other as a terrifying, unknown place [3][5][6]. Group 1: Idealized Otherworld - The first interpretation of the otherworld is a distant, beautiful realm that exists in the imagination, often described in texts like "Shan Hai Jing" and works by Zhuangzi, where divine beings reside and live carefree lives [3][4]. - This idealized otherworld is characterized by its enchanting qualities, representing a place of ultimate beauty and elegance, akin to the modern notion of "poetry and distance" [3][4]. Group 2: Terrifying Otherworld - In contrast, the second interpretation presents the otherworld as a distant, strange, and frightening place, filled with bizarre creatures and landscapes, as depicted in "Shan Hai Jing" and the poetry of Qu Yuan [5][6]. - This fear of the unknown enhances the appreciation for the tangible, beautiful aspects of the real world, creating a juxtaposition between the two realms [5][6]. Group 3: Afterlife Beliefs - Another aspect of the otherworld in pre-Qin thought relates to beliefs about the afterlife, where ancestors are thought to reside in a heavenly realm, continuing to influence the living [6][7]. - Rituals and offerings to ancestors, such as food and wine, reflect the belief that the deceased continue to exist in a manner similar to the living, enjoying comforts in the otherworld [6][7]. Group 4: Philosophical Reflections - The article also discusses the philosophical reflections on death and the otherworld, emphasizing the duality of hope and despair in human contemplation of mortality [7]. - Confucius's teachings advocate for focusing on life and moral integrity rather than the uncertainties of the afterlife, presenting a pragmatic approach to the concept of the otherworld [7].

Core Viewpoint - The introduction of a hospice care facility in a residential community in Zhengzhou has sparked controversy due to lack of homeowner consent and procedural issues, leading to government intervention to suspend operations [1][2] Group 1: Community Response - Residents oppose the hospice care facility, arguing it is inappropriate for a residential area, especially near a kindergarten, raising concerns about psychological discomfort and health risks for children [1][2] - Similar resistance has been observed in other cities like Nanjing and Hangzhou, where community members have protested against similar projects even before construction began [1][2] Group 2: Regulatory and Procedural Aspects - The involved hospice facility previously relocated from another community due to homeowner opposition, despite having an environmental impact assessment that deemed the project compliant with national policies and low in environmental impact [2] - The facility's management claims that the hospice and elderly care services are managed by different entities, indicating a potential misunderstanding among residents regarding the nature of the services offered [1][2] Group 3: Cultural Attitudes Towards Death - The resistance to hospice and funeral services reflects a broader cultural aversion to death in Chinese society, where such services are often viewed as "unlucky" or "inauspicious" [6][7] - Traditional beliefs about death and funerary practices contribute to a lack of understanding and acceptance of death-related services, highlighting a gap in death education within the community [11][12] Group 4: Implications for Future Planning - The ongoing opposition to hospice and funeral services in residential areas raises questions about the suitability of such facilities in urban planning, especially in the context of an aging population [17] - There is a growing need for community-based and home-based elderly care solutions, which are preferred in developed countries, as opposed to institutionalized care that faces resistance from local residents [17]