Scam Alert
Common tourist scams & prevention
Safety
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Features
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'Tea ceremony' / 'art student' scam
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Fake taxi overcharging
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Scenic spot ticket scams
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QR code payment fraud
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Tea house scam: strangers invite you for tea at inflated prices
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Art student scam: young people ask you to visit their gallery
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Taxi overcharging: unmetered rides or scenic detour routes
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Fake money scam: counterfeit bills given as change
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How to Use
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Decline invitations from strangers to visit 'special' shops or galleries
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Only use official taxi stands or DiDi app
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Buy attraction tickets from official sources only
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Never scan unknown QR codes
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Decline invitations from overly friendly strangers near tourist sites
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Always insist on the taxi meter or agree on price before getting in
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Use mobile payment to avoid receiving counterfeit cash as change
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Check your bills carefully, especially 100 and 50 CNY notes
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FAQ
The 'tea ceremony' scam: friendly locals invite you for tea, then present a huge bill. Always politely decline.
Friendly strangers approach tourists and invite them to a nearby tea house. The bill arrives at 500-2000 CNY for cheap tea.
Use Didi ride-hailing app for transparent pricing, or insist the driver uses the meter before getting in.
Report to the tourist police (12345 hotline) and your hotel. Keep receipts and evidence if possible.
Mobile payment (Alipay/WeChat Pay) is most common. Some places accept international cards.
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Important Notes
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If something feels too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts and walk away.
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If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
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Be cautious of people who speak perfect English and approach you at tourist spots.
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Never hand your phone to strangers, even if they claim to need to make an emergency call.
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