Ensuring that final wishes come true

The writing of wills is still relatively uncommon among Chinese because the topic of death is considered taboo. But perceptions are now changing as more and more people seek professional help in drafting such documents

Hu Yinyin wants her apartment in downtown Shanghai to be sold after she dies, but her husband and daughter are in for a rude shock - they won't be inheriting all the proceeds. In fact, most of the money will be going to a monk.

The 68-year-old woman has not told her family of this decision. With home prices in downtown Shanghai surging to 100,000 yuan ($16,000) per square meter, she is certain that her wish would cause much uproar in the household.