It is fair to say China has not generally had good press in the Western media. Blamed for everything from pollution to global warming; ivory trading to violating human rights, China is viewed with increasing interest, and increasing suspicion.

Hospices are not places one identifies with China, and most people, if asked, would probably have a negative image by reflex of large soulless state institutions. Certainly, that they may be run at a very high standard by independent charities would be a surprise.

The Hall of the Pine Trees (Song Tang) was set up by Li Wei, a doctor who, during the Cultural...