Scams to Avoid
Common tourist scams in China and how to protect yourself.
China is remarkably safe regarding violent crime. You are extremely unlikely to face any physical danger. That said, like any major tourist destination, certain scams do exist — mostly in Beijing and Shanghai’s busiest tourist areas. Most of these are becoming rarer thanks to mobile payments and ride-hailing apps, but it’s still worth knowing the patterns so you can avoid them.
The “Tea House” Invitation
What Happens
A friendly young person approaches you near a tourist street and starts chatting in English — “I’m an English student, can I practice with you?” After a pleasant conversation, they suggest visiting a “traditional tea house” or “art gallery” nearby. You sit down, enjoy some tea, and at the end receive an unexpectedly large bill (¥2,000+).
How to Handle It
Simply decline invitations from strangers to visit specific venues. If you do end up in this situation, stay calm and refuse to pay the inflated amount. Tell them you will call the police (110) — this usually resolves the situation quickly, as the scammers don’t want police involvement.
Simple Rule
If a stranger on the street initiates conversation and suggests going somewhere together, politely say “no thanks” and walk away. Genuine locals who just want to practice their English will usually be happy to chat right there on the sidewalk or in a public park — they won’t try to lead you to a specific bar, cafe, or tea house.
Unofficial Taxis
What Happens
At airports or train stations, drivers approach you offering rides at inflated flat rates, or legitimate taxi drivers refuse to use the meter.
How to Handle It
Use DiDi via Alipay — the price is set before you get in the car. No surprises.
If taking a taxi: Use the official taxi line (follow airport signs). Before getting in, say “打表” (dǎ biǎo — “use the meter”). If they refuse, simply take the next cab. Never follow someone who says they have a taxi “just outside” or in the parking lot — official taxis only pick up at the designated, signposted lines.
Ignore people shouting “Taxi?” in arrivals halls — official taxis are always found at designated pickup points, never inside the terminal.
Paid Photo Opportunities
What Happens
At popular landmarks, people in traditional costumes offer to pose for photos with you, then ask for payment afterwards. Photographers may offer to take your picture and then try to sell you prints.
How to Handle It
If someone in a costume offers a photo opportunity, there’s likely a fee involved. If you don’t want to pay, politely wave your hand and walk away. It’s not aggressive — just a business model.
Tourist Market Haggling
What Happens
At famous shopping markets, vendors start at highly inflated prices for foreigners. A scarf worth ¥30 might be quoted at ¥300-500. This isn’t exactly a “scam” — it’s just how these markets work.
How to Handle It
Start at 25% of their asking price and negotiate up. This is expected and even enjoyed by many vendors.
The “walk away” technique is your strongest tool. When you turn to leave, the price drops significantly.
Use your phone calculator to type numbers back and forth — it’s the universal haggling language.
Haggling only applies to tourist markets and street stalls. Shopping malls, supermarkets, chain restaurants (like Starbucks or Luckin Coffee), and convenience stores have fixed prices.
Similarly, if you are at a small street food stall and see prices clearly handwritten on a board, those are also fixed — no negotiation is needed. If there’s a price tag, that’s what you pay.
Fake Antiques & Jade
What Happens
In tourist areas and antique markets, vendors sell “ancient” coins, jade bracelets, or “Ming dynasty” vases at “special prices.” They may claim it’s from a family collection or an archaeological dig. It is almost certainly factory-made last week.
How to Handle It
Assume all antiques and jade in tourist markets are fake. If you like how something looks, treat it as a souvenir and haggle down to a souvenir price (think ¥20-50, not ¥2,000). Never buy “antiques” as investments.
Quick Safety Tips
Pay Digitally via Alipay/WeChat
No fake change issues, every transaction is recorded.
Use DiDi Instead of Hailing Taxis
Price locked in advance, driver rated by passengers.
Be Cautious If a Stranger Wants to Take You Somewhere Specific
It’s OK to say no.
If Something Goes Wrong
Call police (110) or look for a police booth (治安岗äş) on the street — these are common in every major city and often faster than calling. Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai have English-speaking operators for 110. Face-to-face communication works best, especially with a translation app like Google Translate.