Lucky viewing of embalmed sacred turtle

Shell eternal: Tourists looking at the embalmed giant turtle displayed at Ngoc Son temple in Hanoi. — AFP

HANOI: A sacred giant turtle that died in Hanoi's storied Hoan Kiem lake has been given a new lease on life by city authorities, who have embalmed the beloved creature for posterity - and tourist visits.

Hanoians were shocked by the death of the critically endangered Swinhoe softshell turtle in 2016, believing its passing was a sign of ominous times ahead.