'Beggers' in China

There are many things that fascinate me about China, that get me thinking far more than I would have perhaps anticipated. I have been in China for almost a year, so perhaps you can say I am still at the sharp learning stage, but this is an occasion that has really got me thinking. I refer to them as 'beggers' but is this really the correct term? Are they beggers? I mean they are begging for something whether that be money? food? shelter? I'm not always sure. What strikes me the most is the nature of the 'beggers'; families, students (see photo), men, women, boys, girls, people of all kinds. Are what they write on the pavements to be believed? I am skeptical but rightly so? I am sure that not everyone is in need of what they are asking for. During the Spring Festival over the last week I have seen more 'beggers' on the streets pleading their case to passers-by. But why? Because they can? Because people want to help them and do? I understand why some may do it, but what strikes me the most is when I see families doing it (mothers, fathers and child(ren)), often pleading that they have ran into trouble whilst on their travels and therefore have no money, home, or food. Is this to be believed or I am just being very pessimistic? I'm sure they use the children to tap into our emotions to get us to part with our hard-earned cash. I am not here to say whether this is right or wrong, it is just merely my observations and feelings on a subject that has got my thinking during my time in China. Thank you to @sdweathers for the photo.