15.2 What common scams target tourists in China?
A summary of the most common scams targeting tourists in China, including tea house scams, black taxis, non-metered taxis, massage/spa scams, and fake monks or students, plus advice on how to avoid them.
Although China is generally very safe and violent crime is extremely rare, like any popular tourist destination, it does have some opportunistic scams aimed at visitors. Knowing how these scams work is the best way to protect your money and keep your trip enjoyable.
This guide introduces the most common scams and how to avoid them.
1. The tea house / art gallery scam
This is probably the most infamous scam targeting tourists in China.
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Where it happens:
Tourist‑heavy areas such as Tiananmen Square and Wangfujing in Beijing, or Nanjing Road, the Bund, and People’s Square in Shanghai. -
How it works:
- The approach:
One or two friendly, well‑dressed young people who speak good English approach you and claim to be students or tourists from another city. - Building trust:
They chat, offer to practice English with you, or help take your photo, and then suggest going for “authentic Chinese tea” or to a “student art exhibition.” - The trap:
They lead you to a small tea house or gallery where you are served tea or shown “student artwork.” At the end, you are presented with an exaggerated bill, sometimes hundreds of US dollars, and pressured to pay.
- The approach:
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How to avoid it:
- Be cautious of overly friendly strangers who invite you to private tea houses, bars, or galleries.
- Politely decline with “不要，谢谢 (Búyào, xièxiè)” — “No, thank you.”
- If you want to have tea, choose a reputable, clearly priced place yourself.
2. “Black taxis” and non‑metered taxis
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Where it happens:
At airports, train stations, long‑distance bus terminals, and near major attractions. -
How it works:
- Black taxis: unlicensed cars offering a “good price” but actually charging far above the normal rate.
- Non‑metered trips: licensed taxis that refuse to turn on the meter and instead demand an inflated flat fee at the end.
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How to avoid it:
- Only take taxis from official taxi queues or designated taxi stands.
- Before the car starts moving, point at the meter and say “打表 (dǎ biǎo)” — “Use the meter.”
- If the driver refuses, politely get out and choose another taxi.
- Use a reputable ride‑hailing app (such as DiDi), which shows the estimated fare in advance and keeps a record of the trip.
3. “Massage / spa” scams
This is a variant of the tea house scam.
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How it works:
Promoters on the street offer “cheap massage” or “special spa deals” and lead you to a small, unknown venue. Once inside, the prices turn out to be much higher than advertised, and you may be pressured into paying large amounts for “extra services.” -
How to avoid it:
- Never follow random strangers into massage parlors or spas.
- If you want a massage or spa treatment, ask your hotel or use an app to find a reputable, well‑reviewed business, and check prices beforehand.
4. Fake monks or fake students asking for donations
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How it works:
- In tourist areas, some people dress as monks or claim to be poor students. They may hand you a small item (like a bracelet or amulet) or ask you to sign something, then aggressively demand a donation.
- Real Buddhist monks do not walk around tourist spots demanding money.
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How to avoid it:
- Remember: genuine monks do not solicit money on the street.
- Avoid engaging, do not accept unsolicited items, and simply walk away.
By recognizing these scams, you can easily sidestep them. Most people you meet in China will be honest and genuinely helpful — just stay alert in busy tourist areas, use common sense, and you’ll be fine.