Shenzhen taxi driver Li Dongying, who handed in 5.3 million yuan ($837,000) worth of US dollars and euros left by a Hong Kong passenger in his taxi, was rewarded with 60,000 yuan by local authorities on Wednesday.

He was awarded 10,000 yuan by the city's transport commission and the Shenzhen Bus Group.

The Futian district government also honored him as “Outstanding citizen of Futian district” and awarded him 50,000 yuan.

Li found a case containing $150,000 and 550,000 euros on his taxi's back seat on midnight on June 10, he called the police and handed in the money.

The passenger was a Hong Kong resident, who was to use the money to open a factory.

Li, 44, father of two sons, earns 6,000 yuan a month, and his wife doesn't have a job.

The taxi company rewarded him 300 yuan after he gave back the money.