Turtles on the Bund

Another priceless moment on this trip. You have to get just a degree off the main path to see what really happens.

While walking along the Bund, we noticed a group of people huddled around an opening over the river. We decided to see what was going on.

Below was a wooden platform with several turtles. Most people around us were trying to throw coins on the turtles. The distance was about a 20 foot drop. Our initial reaction ... confusion.

Is this animal torture or is this acceptable behavior in China?

Fortunately for us, an English speaking native walked up. He explained that he has taken care of the turtles for the last 6 years. Turtles signify a long life. A coin on a turtle signifies a prosperous long life. Many people have turtles with coins glued onto the turtle's shell. If you throw a coin and it lands on the turtle, it is good luck for a long and prosperous life.

I then asked, "Do the coins hitting the turtles hurt them?" The answer was the best, "They do not care, you see they have hard shells."

I then asked, "Does the money go to care for the turtles?" A little too long of a pause and then everything made sense.

Don't ask the person who profits from throwing coins at the turtles if the coins hurt the turtles.