"Lucky Locks" removed from mount

PKG

INTRO

Leaving a locket or tying a red ribbon to a fence, gate or tree is a common thing to do when you visit a temple or climb up to the top of a mountain in China.

People believe that by doing so, their wishes will come true and they'll be blessed.

But some on Jiuhua Mountain in east China are now being removed.

We find out why.

PKG

This is the top of Jiuhua Mountain where a chain handrail on one side has many rusty locks attached to it.

Some parts of the handrail have broken, as there were too many locks dangling from it.

It's hard to relate the locks with good fortune or health, and local authorities now say they could even be dangerous.

As a result, they have decided to remove them...

Our correspondent witnessed some of the locks being cut from the chains.

SOUNDBITE (CHINESE) SUN TAIPING, Cleaner:

"We cut off these locks from the chain and then take them down to the foot of the mountain. The locks weigh about 2,500 kilograms in total. We have six people doing this for more than a month."

The tradition of putting a lock onto chains or trees appeared in the 1990s and gradually became popular.

These locks are mainly distributed at two main attractions--the top of the mountain and Longevity Palace. As people believe attaching them will bring them good luck.

But many visitors are not happy about their locks being removed...

VOX-POP (CHINESE)

"Each lock represents a wish of a person or a couple. We would feel sorry if our wish was lost."

VOX-POP (CHINESE)

"They should not be removed. We've travelled a long way from the northeast, Heilongjiang Province, to be here. We bought a lock just to pray for health and happiness. It's a once-in-a-lifetime wish."

But others support the decision, citing safety and security.

VOX-POP (CHINESE)

"If it's done for the sake of safety, we fully understand it. I'd prefer a better handrail to hold."

Local authorities say the scenic spot will take into account tourists' suggestions over what to do with the removed locks.