Hong Kong 20 dollar note shows turtle with lion's/dragon's Head

[<k>]

I have never before seen a turtle like the one depicted on this Hong Kong 20 dollar note of 2002. Look at the head.

[Md. Shariful Islam]

I don't know what has been symbolized by this picture. Looks funny to me. My explanation is the dragon has been slowed down (turtled down) or the dragon has been locked in a turtle shell or the dragon has become old like a turtle  ...

Islam

[<k>]

Yes, it's very strange. But then the Chinese have invented some strange creatures, like the merlion, for instance.