tourist traps in china

How to Avoid Tourist Traps in China? Avoiding Tourist Traps

Tourist attractions offer genuine interest and something of sightseeing or recreational value to tourists, and are worth the customer's money and time to enter. Tourist traps on the other hand are set up to exploit tourists . What they offer is not worth the time or the money (i.e. definitely overpriced) and tourists generally leave feeling disappointed, bored, or cheated (or all of them at once). 

There may be a difference of opinion here on what is worthwhile and value for money. What is a tourist trap to one may be a genuine attraction to another.

China Highlights aims to give you the best possible experience of China's best attractions through our tailoring tours to customer requirements, more than 12 years of experience arranging tours for more than 10,000 satisfied English-speaking clients a year, and continuous development in response to customer feedback. We really know how to avoid tourist traps, i.e. disappointment.

Souvenir Selling Tourist Traps

The tourist traps that China Highlights will help you to avoid are the large souvenir retail outlets that are usually included as a compulsory and wearily tolerated part of standard Chinese group tours, and from which the guide will get a commission. Products sold often include tea and tea sets, pearls, jade, Chinese paintings and calligraphy, traditional calligraphy sets, silk, rugs, and other more localized specialties.

This is all very well if you find these products interesting or want to buy something to take home, but if you are not interested you are safe with China Highlights as we will not waste your time by going there. From October 1st, 2013, all our itineraries are SHOPPING FREE - the first China tour company with absolutely no shopping on our tours.

If you have a particular product that you are interested in, let us know and we could arrange a guided tour of the best places to buy. Always remember to bargain, or even better get someone Chinese to bargain for you! Our guides may be able to help you. If you would like to buy something from China on your tour with our help, you will need to sign a disclaimer releasing your tour guide to recommend the best places to buy and take you shopping.

Retail at Tourist Attractions

Tourist traps could also take the form of shops, or lone hawkers, at genuine tourist attractions or other tourist-frequented locations, selling over-priced goods to a captive, or possibly unsuspecting, market. We at China Highlights can do nothing about this, only warn you.

There will often be a difference of opinion on what is a fair price. The "local price", the "tourist price" and the "foreigner price" are a hard to remove principle in the minds of many vendors. Food and drink sold at remote locations, e.g. on mountains, may be reasonably expected to be a bit more expensive due to the cost of getting it there.

Touting of Hotels, Transport, Tours, Restaurants, Shops, etc.

This category includes the people at airports, railway stations, and bus stations offering overpriced hotels or on an overpriced ride or tour. Beware: a reasonable price may change later. These people can sometimes be genuine and quite helpful, and the price is sometimes a good one, but if you are unsure why risk it?

There are also those who line popular tourist walking routes trying to get you to eat at their restaurant or buy whatever they are selling. A general rule is to avoid places so desperate that they have to hold a menu on the street or hassle passers by, and find a place packed with locals, or that seems popular and smells good.

Scams and Other Underhand Practices

Other "tourist traps" fall further outside the definition centering around exploitative tourist sights and services, and can be better defined as unscrupulous operators, con artists, and criminals who particularly prey on tourists – those who seem rich and unaware, especially foreigners. There are gray areas of the law in China where the police can do nothing, such as in a your-word-against-theirs situation.

Common Scams

As elsewhere in the world, in China you may come across people who try to exploit the unsuspecting. When on holiday, tourists often let down their guard and that makes them especially vulnerable to scams. So again, caution and common sense are vital.

• Currency exchange: Beware of people on the street side who offer services of money exchange. If you do need to exchange money, do it in the Bank of China or at the star-rated hotel.
• Counterfeit/worthless change: When you are shopping check your change carefully. If you are using large denomination bills, make sure that you get undamaged, clean, and genuine notes in your change. You can always ask for different change if you are not satisfied.
• "The tea house scam": Be cautious if somebody approaches you and invites you for a drink at a tea house or bar nearby to "practice English". There have been reports of tourists being left with the bill.
• "The roll of banknotes scam": Do not pick up rolls of banknotes found on the street. A scam artist will probably then approach you asking for you to share your new found wealth. He will ask for the money in your wallet and then you will find that the banknotes are worthless.
• ATM crime is on the rise recently. There are continual reports of ATM scams including using fake ATMs or other methods used to steal the user's card and PIN. You are advised to use ATMs when accompanied and during the daytime, avoiding machines that look suspicious.
• Begging: You may well come across beggars in China, particularly in the larger cities. In the vast majority of cases you shouldn't feel threatened or intimidated, but if you do report the incident to the police. If you want to hand out money, make sure that you exercise some caution and common sense. Carry some loose change. Not all beggars are genuinely in need or get to keep what they are given.

Counterfeit Money

Watch out for counterfeit money. See Chinese Money for how to recognize counterfeits. 100 yuan notes that you get from a bank or ATM won't be fake, so if anyone says they are and wants to change one of yours it is a scam. They might switch a note you used to pay for something for a fake and then ask for another 100 yuan note instead of "your" fake. The best thing to do here is definitely not to give them another 100 yuan. You should call the police if you know it to be a switch. If you are holding a fake note that someone has just handed you the police may be able to do something.

Giving counterfeit money out in exchange for foreign currency takes advantage of new arrivals in China by offering good rates of exchange on the street near popular entry points: airports, airport bust stations and first-day tourist attractions. Always do currency exchange at a Bank of China, a reputable hotel, or other recognized place.

Another common way of giving counterfeit money to the unsuspecting is in returned deposits, e.g. for bicycle hire or in change. If you notice a fake, you can always ask for another note.

Tea Ceremonies and Meals with Strangers

The classic scam involves a friendly stranger who asks you to go somewhere to drink tea or eat a meal (and perhaps practice English) and then you are left with a big bill. Make sure you choose the place.

Use genuine taxis with genuine meters. Get a receipt before you get out in case you accidently leave something in the taxi. Illegal taxis may have rigged over-charging meters, leave you at the wrong place, claim the price was per person instead of in total, or drive off with your luggage.

Cheap Tours

You may be offered a cheap tour that will turn out to include a gauntlet of souvenir outlets with pressure to buy, and other commission earners like third-rate performances, and maybe low-quality transport, food and guide as well, with very little time at the actual attraction.

Chinese Medicine

Beware of shady practitioners that charge a lot for their diagnosis or overcharge for some herbs or other "cure". More on Chinese Medicine>>>

Fortune Tellers

Chinese Fortune tellers may also overcharge, or even take hold of your hand (to read your palm) in Chinese temples. Remember, you do not need to accept their services, and bargain if the price seems high.

Restaurants

Always find out the price of everything before eating. If you suspect anything get it written down so there can be no "misunderstandings". Extras that are commonly charged for at around 1 yuan each are tea (sometimes per person), use of plastic-wrapped crockery sets, packs of tissues, and bowls of rice. These may cost a little more at more expensive restaurants, but check you are not drinking a really expensive tea without realizing. If you are offered a private room, check that it does not have an exorbitant price attached.

Scams include extra charges for use of a room, or for a change of price at the end because of "some misunderstanding". Make sure the price is clear at the start. To avoid embarrassment don't order a massage from a hotel, especially of the type where the masseuse comes to your room, as most hotels have massages with a sexual nature, and you may be forced to pay if they start.

Most massage shops are genuine, honest and very good value for money, but beware those with private rooms, often on bar streets. If unsure you can ask your guide, or contact us and we can advise on or arrange a suitable genuine massage.

With begging it is always your choice whether you give or not, but bear in mind that many of the stories that people come up with when asking for money are not genuine. The classic ask is for the price of a train ticket home by some "destitute traveler".

Often crippled beggars are left in strategic locations and used by someone as a way of earning money from peoples' compassion. Scruffy girls selling roses are often very persistent and highly skilled professionals. Try to avoid them as you will find it difficult to get away until you have paid.

Pick-Pocketing and Stealing

Beware of pick pockets in areas frequented by tourists, crowded streets and markets, sights, buses, etc. Often there will be more than one working together. Beware tackling them as they often carry knives in order to force a getaway.

One thief may distract or bump into the victim while the other steals. Use money belts or put your valuables where they are difficult to get at. Do not have more snatchable and lootable items than your hands can protect hanging off you in a crowd, e.g. camera, lens bag, jewelry, laptop bag, shoulder bag, hip pouch, backpack, wallet in back pocket, etc.

Also beware falling asleep on long bus rides or train rides, when a pick pocket can sneakily slide a hand or tweezers into a pocket or bag, and get off at the next stop.

Having covered all of these risks, it should be noted that most Chinese are honest and helpful, and crime nuisance, especially major crime, can be lower than in Western cities due to the large penalties and government controls. The majority of tourists have no trouble, especially those who take precautions and are wary of tourist traps. Don't give the opportunists an opportunity and hopefully they will find something more honest and useful to do.

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Common Scams and Tourist Traps in China - Must Know Before You Go)

What ruins the good memory of a trip most? It’s definitely getting scammed or being caught in a tourist trap. As China is so big with a tremendous population, travelers who are not prepared very well are at the high risk to run into tourist scams. So what are the most common tourist scams and traps in China? How to avoid them? Here are the possible scams and tourist traps that you may find in Beijing, Shanghai, Guilin and other popular tourist destinations in China - Tea House scam, taxi scam, Counterfeit Money, etc., as well as our advice on how to protect yourself from the scams and traps.

1. Teahouse/Tea Ceremony/Coffee Scam

Teahouse/Tea Ceremony/Coffee scams usually happen to independent travellers or at the free time out of the tour, such as night stroll, shopping, etc. If you travel with a tour guide, you will be get alert from your tour guide when the scamming happening.

How it works:

1. You will be approached by pretty, nice and friendly teenagers who usually claim they are students wanting to practice English, or they are visiting Beijing from other parts of China, or asking for help with taking photos;

2. They then will try to chat with you, then suggest to go somewhere for a cup of tea while you meet local friend and see local places.

3. They will then bring you to a teahouse where provides quiet and nice environment but no English menu with prices. A tea ceremony will be recommended to you to taste several different kinds of teas.

4. After the tea drinking, the host, who is said to be not able to speaking English, will bring you the bill. You will surprisely find it’s hundreds or thousands of dollars when you may finally realize it’s a scam. To pretend to be friendly, the scammers sometimes even suggest share the bill. Be aware, they are actually employed by the tea house.

Places to beware in Beijing:

Any tourist attraction in Beijing, especially Forbidden City, Tian’anmen Square, Wangfujing, Summer Palace, etc.

Other China destinations you may come across “drinking” scams: Shanghai, Guilin, Guangzhou, Chongqing

How to protect yourself from the Teahouse/Tea Ceremony/Coffee Scam:

Never follow strangers. Decline all “friendly” invitation. If you get call, call police for help.

Chinese Tea Ceremony

Tea Houses Where Locals Drink Tea Is Recommended More

2. Transportation Scam

Taxi is frequently used during travelling in a different country, so is in China. Usually, most taxi drivers are friendly, virtuous, and follow the rules. But there are a few taxi drivers may take advantage of foreign travelers’ unfamiliarity with the destination’s transport condition, and charge taxi fee by bid instead of by meters. So remember to make sure with the driver that the taxi rate will be charged by meters before getting on the taxi.

The license plates of Beijing’s legitimate taxi are started with “京B”. If a car without “京B” plate approaching you, you should be aware it’s not a legal taxi.

Black Taxi Scam

Black Taxi Scam usually happens outside of the arrival hall of airport, train station, bus station and subway station. There is nothing to do with the color of the car is black or not because Chinese people call all cars and vans which are not legally licensed but running transport business privately as “Black Taxi” or “Black Car”. These Black Taxis are usually active outside the airports, train stations and tourist attractions. Unlike the legal taxis which usually queue in lines to wait for passengers, the Black Taxis drivers will approach you without invitation. If you go with them, you have to get prepared for the double prices or more of the rate of legal taxis.

Places to beware Taxi Scam and Black Car Scam in Beijing:

Beijing Capital International Airport, Beijing Railway Station, Beijing South Railway Station, Forbidden City (north gate), Dongzhimen Bus Station, Wangfujing

Other China destinations you may come across “Black Taxi” scams: Shanghai, Guilin, Chengdu, Xian, etc.

How to protect yourself from the Transportation Scam:

Say no to all taxi drivers who approach you, and only take legal taxi. Before sitting down, make sure the taxi will be charged by meters.

Taxis waiting for passengers at T3 of Beijing Capital International Airport

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3. Receiving Counterfeit Chinese Money

During your travel, you have to pay for food, taxi, attraction, drinks, etc., most with cash. There are some chances you may get some counterfeit money. But for first timers, it is not easy to tell the difference between a real bank note and a counterfeit. There might be 3 versions of fake money scams:

Version#1: taxi

You give Chinese yuan of 100 or 50 to a taxi driver, then the driver switch it to a fake one quietly and claim your money is a counterfeit one.

Version#1: street vendors

It sometimes happens at some local outdoor snack streets, souvenir streets, local markets. You give the vendor a note of 100 yuan or 50 yuan for a small charge, the vendor refund you a fake 50 yuan or a fake 20 yuan.

Version#3: fake ATM

Some local market set up fake ATM with fake money, although this is rarely seen in most China cities, but you should watch out for the scam.

How to Avoid the Counterfeit Money Scam

Actually its very easy to profect you from the possible counterfeit money scam, just remember several rules: 1) only get cash from legal and reputable sources, such as a Chinese bank, bank ATM, stars-rated hotels, currency exchangers in the airports, etc.; 2) try to break notes of 100 into smaller notes, such as 20, 10, 5, etc.; 3) Always keep an eye on your money after you giving to the vendor, the driver or other people, to avoid they switching your real money; 4) try to buy stuffs in official stores or well known markets.

Only Withdraw Money on Well-known Banks of China

CNY 100 Yuan

Other Common Scams in China

Fake beggars.

There are beggars in every country but some of them are not real beggars, or not deserve people’s sympathy, such as who grab your shirt and ask for money, who pretending to be deaf, mute or blind, and who putting a sign on the ground that telling some sad stories, like baggage got lost, family member suffering from incurable disease. It was also reported that fake monks asking donations in Hong Kong, Hangzhou, etc.

Our suggestion is never give money to beggars unless some real beggars who really needs help, such as the disable. If you don’t know the beggar is real or not, you can observe surrounding Chinese. If they give alms, you can follow them, but don’t donate too much in case of possible scam.

KTV & Bar Scams

Chinese love singing that is why the KTVs can be find everywhere. It is right that singing some favorite songs with good friends can bring so much fun, but if some young and beautiful invite you to KTV to sing songs, you have got to be careful because usually it will turn out to be a scam. Another version is scan usually happen in the night bars. You are searching for a bar, and suddenly one, two or more young girls approaching you and claimbing that they know some good bars to go and ask if they can join in you. If you say yes, and go to a bar with them, then the scam start. After being seated, the girls will order some drinks and snacks while you having no idea how much they will cost. In the end when it’s time to pay the bill which might be hundreds of dollars, you may finally find it’s a scam, but you can do nothing about it.

How to protect yourself from the KTV & Bar Scams

Say no to all the people who inviting you to the KTV or bar. If you are not certain, you can test you new “friend” by suggesting another good place. If they insist on their recommendations, they must be defrauding. Another advice is do not eat or drink without asking about menu prices and hidden fees

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5 Most Common Tourist Scams in China & How to Avoid Them

September 9, 2020 By Josh Summers 17 Comments

What are the most common tourist scams in China and how can you avoid them?  As a tourist in China – or any foreign country – there’s almost no way around it: you’re at high risk to run into tourist scams. You’ve got a big, fat target on your back that says “I have money!” . Scam artists, beggars and sometimes even the “average Zhou” see you as a gullible visitor with plenty of money. So what can you do?

Nothing dampens a travel experience faster than getting scammed or robbed. It tends to ruin the rest of your trip and leave a cloud over the travel memory.

Thankfully, if you’re properly prepared, it’s fairly easy to dodge these common scams whether you’re traveling solo or joining a reputable China travel agency .

Don’t worry, they’re not overly sophisticated.

Below I want to share with you 5 types of tourist scams in China that I’ve experienced first hand during my 10 years of travel as well as heard from other travelers. These include:

• The Counterfeit Money Scam
• The China Transportation Scam
• The Chinese Beggar Scam
• China Tea House / Art School Scams
• China’s Price Gouging Scam

The more you know, the easier it will be to avoid falling prey to these scams.

Scam #1: Receiving Counterfeit Chinese Money

The most frustrating scams in China I’ve run across are the money scams.

As a first-time visitor to China, how are you supposed to be able to tell the difference between a real bank note and a counterfeit?

Thankfully this scam is becoming more rare as penalties for counterfeit money in China are high and very stiff.

Still, it’s good to be aware.

How the Counterfeit Money Scam Plays Out

The Chinese counterfeit money scam plays out in one of two primary ways:

• You give a taxi driver a 100 or 50 RMB note and they secretly switch it with a fake note and claim you gave them the fake one. It’s a classic “your word against mine” scam where police can be of very little help, so if you never saw the switch you’re left paying yet another 100 RMB.
• You pay a small charge to somebody with a 100 RMB note. In return, they give you a fake 50 RMB note while the rest of the change is real. This usually only happens in taxis or with street vendors.

How to Avoid Chinese Counterfeit Money Scam

This is actually a pretty easy scam to avoid if you’re careful, and it doesn’t even require you learning what real Chinese money looks/feels like (although it’s not a bad idea to learn how to spot fake Chinese currency ).

There are three things you should do:

• Get your cash from a reputable source . This means you should withdraw cash from  a Chinese bank , a local Chinese ATM machine or exchange cash with a reputable money changer (i.e. not the guys on the street).
• I always advise people to try and break their 100 RMB bills at established businesses , not single-person services like taxis or tour guides. This means going into a grocery store and paying for a simple Coke with a 100, then using the change for things like taxis. Frankly, taxis drivers don’t like taking 100 RMB notes anyway, so most of them will be thankful you did.
• If you do know what real Chinese yuan should look and feel like, don’t be afraid to inspect the cash . Compare it with the cash you got from the bank that you know is real. It’s common practice here in China for any store to inspect the money you give them to ensure authenticity. You can do it to.

Scam #2: Transportation Scams in China

I landed at a major airport here in China earlier this year and had about a 10 minute debate with a taxi driver about the cost of the taxi.

He wanted a flat rate (which was way too high) and I wanted him to use the meter.

Eventually I won, mostly because I live here and know exactly how much things should cost. But the headache of negotiating my taxi was still terrible!

You can expect the same to happen to you at some point.

How Transportation Scams Play Out

I categorize Chinese transportation scams into three different types:

• Taxi Scams : Taxis who want to charge you a flat rate instead of using the designated meter.
• Black Taxi Scams : While I use black taxis often, the scam I’m referring to here is when a black taxi switches prices on you (i.e. “I didn’t say 30 RMB, I said 300 RMB!”) or just begins taking you without negotiating price and then charges an exorbitant sum once you arrive.
• Tour Bus Scams : You get what you pay for. Sure there are some tours that are dirt cheap, but what happens is that they take you around to every single tourist trap around town to make up the cost.

How to Avoid China Transportation Scams

Transportation scams in China are pretty easy to avoid as long as you’re willing to do the uncomfortable: negotiate all the details before you begin your ride .

This includes not only pricing but also exactly where you’re going and if there will be any stops along the way. (read here for tips on taking a taxi in China )

Also…be willing to stand your ground !

I know it’s easier for me to say that as a man, but Chinese women are known to be feisty and causing a scene can sometimes help a situation.

I once embarrassed a taxi driver by asking his colleagues if he was actually from around here or if he was just ignorant of the law. He wasn’t happy with me, but I got a fair price and arrived where I needed to be.

Finally, there’s one thing you can do, especially with legal taxis, that works almost every time.

If they begin trying to scam you or take advantage of you, take a picture of their registration (which should be visibly displayed on the dashboard) as well as their license plate. Tell the driver that you will report them to the authorities if they continue their scamming ways.

Almost 90% of the time this has worked for me.

Other Transportation Tips in China

• Be wary of getting a flat-rate quote from a driver when with a group of people. A common scam is for the driver to arrive and then announce “Hey, that price was  per person , not for the whole group!” Again, negotiate all the details beforehand.
• When arriving at transportation hubs (airports, train stations, etc.), just give a terse “no” when people approach you wanting to drive you somewhere. This is almost a sure rip-off. It’s best to find the official taxi line and wait behind others unless you’re in a huge rush. For more info, check out my China train guide .
• Pedicab rickshaws are another place where people can easily get scammed, so make sure you know the price beforehand . Remember, only tourist use these so you should expect a higher price. An unbelievably low price is a sign of a possible scam.

Scam #3: The Beggar Scams in China

The Chinese beggar on the street isn’t always a scam but it still makes me a bit unhappy.

It irks me mostly because I know there are legitimately needy people all over China. This is a common scam all across China . Sadly, my general rule, especially in tourist areas , is to never give money to beggars .

Not all beggars deserve this though, so perhaps I should clarify:

• The Grabby Beggars : These are the people that grab your shirt and start making hand gestures signaling the need for money. Most people tend to give money just to get them off their back because they’re relentless. The problem here is that by giving money you’re encouraging this behavior, which hurts future travelers to China (and China’s image). I never give money in this situation.
• The “For a Cause” Beggars:  Every once in a while on a bus or subway I’ll be approached by somebody (usually deaf, mute, or acting like it) who shoves a piece of paper in my face that talks about some cause. These are too easy to fake, however, and many of those type of cases have been reported in the media so I tend to just shake my head no.
• Disabled Beggars : This is heart-breaking. Usually these people who are missing limbs or are disfigured in some way just sit by the street with piercing eyes that reach into your soul. I’m more inclined to give money in this case, and even something as little as 5 yuan (not even US$1) goes a long way for them.
• Silent Beggars : You’ll see these people on the street with their head hung down and a sign on the ground that details their situation. If you can’t read Chinese you’ll never know exactly what’s wrong – usually it’s a relative or family situation (see the best tools to help you learn to read Chinese ). I’ve given in these situations before but most of the time I watch the local Chinese to see what they do.
• Fake Monks : This is an actual scam where people dress up as monks asking for donations. While some may be real, many are also fake. It’s often safer to give money at a monastery if you’re so inclined, instead of to an individual.

The Chinese monk picture above is legit, but don’t be fooled just because somebody wears an orange robe!

Scam #4: China Tea House / Art School Scams

The Chinese Tea House scam is a well-documented scam that continues mostly because it still works.

The scammer is usually college age students or a beautiful young lady and the target is most often a solo male. You’re going to find this scam mostly in the tourist areas of larger cities like Beijing or Shanghai.

How The Tea House / Art School Scams Work

The gist of the scam is that a Chinese person will come up to you and begin very innocent conversation. After trust has been established they will ask if you want to join them and their friends for tea (“I know this  great place you’ll love! Very traditional Chinese tea!”) or to come view their traditional artwork.

With the tea house scam you arrive to sample some tea and your new friend suddenly disappears, leaving you to pay for the overpriced tea (the Chinese person got a commission for bringing you there).

With the Art School Scam, they use the trust they’ve created with you to guilt you into buying cheap art for inflated prices.

You justify it by saying to yourself “ The art isn’t bad and now I’ll have a story of how I met the painter! ” but the fact is it’s probably mass-produced, cheap art and you’re getting ripped-off.

How to Avoid these Scams

The very best way to avoid these types of tourist scams in China is to be wary of any person who initiates contact with you .

Chinese people are generally very introverted people and such genuine contact isn’t normal. I’m not saying to avoid the locals, just be on guard if an overly-friendly person approaches you.

Here are three simple tips to keep you safe from this scam:

• Test your new “friend” . If somebody asks you to go somewhere with them, test them out by suggesting another good place you know about. If they insist on theirs, you know it’s a scam.
• Never eat or drink without knowing the price first . Variations of this scam include KTVs, bars and other places where they get you to drink and only later show you the crazy-high bill. Once you’ve consumed their product, you’re stuck.
• Finally, don’t be afraid to say NO . It may feel rude to you, especially as this art students looks at you with pleading eyes, but you don’t have to buy anything. Same with food and drink. Even if they put it on the table you don’t have to eat or drink it. As they used to teach me in school, “just say no”.

Scam #5: China’s Price Gouging Scams

Finally, I’m going to mention the price gouging scams in China even though most of it’s already been covered in the scams above.

Price gouging is where you are quoted at an outrageous price just because you have a foreign face.

While not technically a “scam”, I put that in quotation marks just because it’s more common practice here in China than anything else.

How Price Gouging in China Works

As you’ll find when you start shopping in China, most items aren’t individually priced, leaving you to ask how much everything costs.

Because haggling is part of business here, shop owners are used to pricing high with the understanding that they’ll discount. This mentality kicks into overdrive when they see a foreign face, often quoting 5-10x’s the usual cost.

Price gouging happens when hiring cars, shopping at the market and especially once you’re in a tourist zone. (read this for more on how to haggle in China )

How to Avoid Price Gouging

You need to expect to pay higher than locals in many cases, so don’t sweat a couple dollars. What’s hard is when they’re exponentially raising your price.

The best way to avoid this is to know beforehand how much something should cost. Watch a local buy it. Better yet, ask a local how much they would pay for it.

Finally, be prepared to haggle for most anything that doesn’t have a price tag on it, even if that’s uncomfortable for you.

Avoiding Common Scams in China

That covers the 5 most common scams here in China, but there are certainly others I’m not aware of.

My hope is that you will never have to experience these scams…

…but it’s good to be prepared anyway!

As you prepare for your trip to China, I suggest you also grab a copy of the China Travel Handbook I wrote!

It covers all of the things you need to know before you land in China so that you can be prepared!

I recognize that this isn’t a comprehensive list of scams in China, though. If you’ve run across a scam not listed here please let me know in the comments below !

Further Reading & Resources

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About Josh Summers

Josh is the founder of TravelChinaCheaper.com who has been living in China with his family since 2006. Over that period of time he has traveled by plane, train, car, motorcycle and even camel to explore almost every corner of the country.

Reader Interactions

June 26, 2018 at 10:57 pm

Nice post! it is important to make people aware of the scams before they travel to China. A warning can go a long way in avoiding some issues while travelling in China.

I’ve had one scam similar to the artwork scam. We were trying to find the entrance to the forbidden city when a Chinese guy came up to us. His English was very good and he was really friendly (red flag number one). He told us we should go with him and he would bring us to the entrance of the forbidden city. I immediately told my parents that this was a bit strange and I didn’t really trust him. Indeed, the guy did not bring us to the entrance of the forbidden city, but to his art gallery. We realised immediately this was a scam and we left.

I also run into the tea scam multiple times while living in Shanghai. I heard about it beforehand, so I never actually got scammed. My advice would be to be careful around Chinese people that come up to you in touristic places and speak really good English.

August 27, 2018 at 12:07 pm

Exactly. You’ve hit the nail on the head here – friendly locals, speaking really good English, approaching you in a generally touristy area is a recipe for disaster!

October 23, 2018 at 2:19 pm

HI, the first time my company sent me to GZ to teach, I nearly got caught in a begger scam. Fortunately I had students with me when the guy hobbled up and stood in my personal space (not a real thing in China). He shoved a red envelope in my face, one of my quck thinking students slapped the envelope to the ground and then grabbed my arm and pulled me after her into the crowded subway, while he (now able to run) followed us. We got on a train and got of at the next station, then caught another back to where we were. Beware the red envelope. I didn’t understand much Chinese at that time and the girls said he was demanding 100rmb so I could take his photo (i didn’t take any photos).

November 21, 2018 at 12:00 pm

Thanks for sharing – hopefully others can learn and not fall for the scams!

January 5, 2019 at 3:57 am

Question: is the police not doing anything about their citizens scamming the tourists? why not? and what about the coming-up socialcheck related to the scammers? Thanks

January 5, 2019 at 1:52 pm

Police usually aren’t concerned with such relatively minor offenses. If they see a pickpocket they’ll do something about it, sure…but they’re probably not going to get in the middle of a “He did this!” followed by a “No, I didn’t!” arbitration.

February 6, 2019 at 12:06 pm

I’ve read your post and it just seems you got a couple of hours of “fun and laughter” plus translator services and a tea ceremony that you described as “amazing”. Barely a scam innit?

July 30, 2019 at 1:54 am

is there any uber or lift service in beijing_ __??

July 30, 2019 at 1:47 pm

There’s a service called DiDi Chuxing. Check it out.

August 18, 2019 at 2:17 pm

Just got scammed today in shanghai. Met a nice girl who took me to a bar, resulting in 2000 RMb for a couple of shots. I also took a picture of her but just after I paid. I don’t know what i should do.

If someone knows if it’s possible to go to the police or something please help.

August 18, 2019 at 10:24 pm

So sorry to hear that, Dean. I would tell the police in the nearby district, but chances are there’s not much you can do, unfortunately.

August 23, 2019 at 5:55 am

I just suffered the tea house one. Teo students girls approched me in shanghai and invited me to go for tea with them… I paíd 400…

August 25, 2019 at 5:25 am

I was scammed yesterday bY a chinese guy in the airport who persistently Wanted to sell me an iphone xs max while i was in line to check in. He Showed me the apple receipt, box and all. It was legit. I paid him 1900 rmb. Boarding time was 3pm and i was in a hurry. By the time i got on the plane, i checked the phone he swiTched it to a fake one. I got a picture of hIs passport and i want to report him so he cant victimized anyone anymore

August 25, 2019 at 8:04 pm

Good luck reporting him. The #1 rule for sniffing out any scam like this is to remember this: if it’s too good to be true (an iPhone XS for 1900 RMB???), then it probably is.

September 25, 2019 at 11:24 am

Very informative post! It can be difficult for first time visitors to china to determine what might be a scam and what is authentic. I know it was a challenge i faced when i was in china for the first time. i was approached at least a dozen times when i was in beijing from people wanting to go for tea and practice their english. it is a shame that a few people are engaging in scams and making travellers weary of being scammed. Such a shame because china is an amazing country.

October 18, 2019 at 11:22 am

Can I expect these scams in Hong Kong too? How do I avoid a taxi scam if I don’t s[peak Chinese. How do I say use the meter in chinese? Thanks

October 19, 2019 at 12:58 am

Not as much. Hong Kong taxis are amazing and many of them speak English.

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Common Tourist Travel Scams in China | How to Avoid Them

March 30, 2020 By China Mike

Knowledge is power. The more you know about common tourist travel scams in China, the more likely you are not to get conned. My goal is to help you to avoid the most common travel scams in China.

Learn how to avoid tourist scammers in Shanghai, Beijing and throughout other parts of China with these tips. Here are some of the most common travel scams in China.

N othing gets me more steamed than being taken for a sucker.

Although the Chinese on the whole are honest, hard-working people, you’re bound to have some bad apples in a country with such a huge population (and still mostly poor).

For some, the seemingly endless supply of rich and easy-to-fool laowai (foreigners) is too tempting. I think the reason many foreign tourists get scammed in China is because they let their guard down.

As I pointed out in my article on crime and safety in China , tourists reason (correctly) that the harsh criminal penalties deter people from crime.

However, there is a considerable difference between committing an outright crime (like theft) and scamming tourists.

The smarter con artists and scammers operate in “grey area” of the law, where the only proof against them is your word against theirs (yes, even in China, the police need proof).

In most cases, the Chinese police won’t or can’t do anything if you’ve been duped . In fact, some of these travel scams in China are completely legal and so will continue to take in suckers for years to come.

Chinese police are often dumbfounded by how foreigners are so easily fooled. Con artists (who can speak English) love foreigners compared to Chinese locals for a number of reasons:

• They generally carry more cash
• They are often happy to engage in conversation with a total stranger. They know that Westerners are more conditioned to “not be rude” by walking away. In contrast, the Chinese are very slow to trust strangers and will often completely ignore anyone who approaches them on the street. They’re often savvy to common scams too.
• Foreign tourists are less likely to call the police because of the language and time constraints. I imagine most are embarrassed and just write off the loss as an unrecoverable “lesson learned.”

And don’t think that you’re too savvy to be fooled. These travel scams in China can be sophisticated and continue to snare even the most experienced travelers.

China Scam #1: Practice English/Tea Ceremony Scam

WHERE: A (mostly) legal, very popular and long-running scam. Especially popular in the tourist-friendly parts of Beijing (like Wangfujing shopping district, Houhai Lake nightlife district and other China shopping districts ) and Shanghai (Nanjing Road shopping district and adjacent Peoples’ Park). Solo male travelers are the suckers of choice.

THE SCAM: While there are variations on this theme, the basic scam goes like this:

• A Chinese person — often a seemingly innocent-looking girl — approaches you. After gaining your trust with some innocent chitchat, she suggests going somewhere to practice English (or karaoke, etc). They also like the “Buddy System”: it might be a harmless-looking young couple or two young ladies who ask you to take their photo in the park and “happen” to be on their way to a tea ceremony. Would you like to join?
• Overjoyed by the chance to have a genuine Chinese encounter with a local (yes, they know the laowai too well), you enthusiastically accept. You follow them somewhere to sample some tea or whatever. Later, you’re presented with an eye-popping bill (often hundreds of US dollars). By now, your new friend may have already disappeared after using the restroom (collecting their hefty commission on their way out to troll for a new sucker). You start to storm out….only to find a couple of goons blocking the door! You’ve just been Punk’ed fool!

How to Avoid the China Tea Scam

Always be wary of anyone who initiates contact with you , no matter how innocent they look or act (be especially wary in touristy areas).

Use common sense and trust your intuition. For example, how common is it for a Chinese girl to boldly approach a random foreign man on the street?

In general, Chinese people are reluctant to approach strangers, particularly foreigners. If they seem too comfortable, it could be because they’re practiced at it. And don’t underestimate their acting skills since they’ve been practicing every day for years. The savvier scammers are patient with the long con, slowly building your trust.

Caveat: I give this warning with caution because I don’t want you to be paranoid since most people you’ll meet will just be curious to talk to a laowai (or actually interested in practicing their English).

NEVER let them take you so some place of their choosing . In many cases, once you’re in the door, you’re cooked.

Your Spidey Sense should be tingling at full alarm the second that they suggest going somewhere. To test their intentions, suggest an alternate place. If they’re insistent on taking you to a specific place, they’re almost certainly in on some scam.

Don’t worry about being rude — just smile, say good-bye, and keep walking!

Finally, never agree to any service unless you know the exact price .

By the way, serving tea is smart for con artists because they can claim that you drank some super-super-expensive tea. Always ask for a menu with prices.

In this scenario (where you were lured into a shady business), even if you were smart enough to see prices, they could simply claim that you ordered some expensive dishes or drinks.

Again, your word against theirs.

Another trick: your new friend tries to gain your trust by offering to split the (ridiculously expensive) restaurant bill…however, they’re in cahoots with the owner and so are just pretending to pay half in order to get you to fork over your half.

China Scam #2: Counterfeit Money Scam

WHERE: Because the Chinese currency known as renminbi is used anywhere, this scam can be done anywhere in China.

THE SCAM: There are a lot of counterfeit bills in circulation…and who better to fool than clueless laowai tourist who don’t know a real bill from a fake one?

How to Avoid Fake Chinese Money Scams

Carefully inspect any change , especially Y50 and Y100 bills. This is one of the easiest travel scams in China to fall for since it’s really hard to know.

• Does the note feel thin or slippery?
• Does the watermark look kosher?
• Does something just feel off to you?

If it feels or looks wrong, don’t be shy about rejecting it (a common practice in China). If necessary, cancel the transaction and demand your money back.

Get Money from an ATM.

If you’re getting cash from an ATM or changing money at a bank (i.e. not a money-changer), you won’t have to worry about getting counterfeit bills (usually Y100 notes).

But instead, you should watch out for the old Bait-and-Switch .

For example, you pay somebody with your (real) Y100 and they secretly replace it with a fake note, claiming that you gave them the bogus note. Then, they’ll give you the fake one and ask for another one.

They just made a tidy Y200 profit!

Always keep an eye on your bill when paying and watch for the swap. This is a popular scam with taxis and when getting back a deposit (such as renting bike). If someone tries to pull this on you, make a big, loud scene (to attract a curious crowd, and hopefully police).

Also alarms should be going off if someone claims they don’t have correct change and is “willing” to round up your change by giving you a larger bill.

Or they might be trying to squeeze some extra money from you by asking you to give them an extra Y50 note so they can round off your change to an even (fake) Y100.

China Scam #3: “Black” Taxi Scams & Rip-Offs

WHERE: Mostly around major city airports and tourist hot spots in China.

THE SCAM: Illegal taxis ( 黑车 = literally “black car”) that make a good living overcharging foreigners. “Black” doesn’t refer to the actual color of a taxi (just that they’re unlicensed and shady). Once you get in, you’re at their mercy. Sometimes, they’ll have a fake meter rigged to produce ridiculous rates. I’ve heard reports of these shady drivers just dropping people off at random destinations after collecting their payday as well as drivers who drive off with luggage as soon as the passenger gets out.

Note : In Beijing in particular, a lot of taxi drivers are relatively inexperienced and Beijing is notoriously confusing (and changing). So try to determine if they really know the destination and don’t automatically assume that they’re scamming you (they might just be lost).

Also, I’ve been told that the government cracked down on these illegal taxis during the 2008 Olympics but still, there may still be some out there.

How to Avoid Fake Taxis in China

To avoid getting ripped off by a fake taxi in China, use the official taxi lane at any Chinese airport, train station or bus station. Always insist on using the meter.

Fortunately, it’s easy to avoid these black taxis by just looking at their license plates. All legitimate taxis in Beijing all have a plate that starts with “京 B”.

China Taxi Tips for Tourists

• Watch for the  fake bill swap when paying. Ideally, have smaller notes with you before you get in. Reminder: tipping is not expected (but heartily accepted).
• Instead of going with any taxi driver who is parked and has approached you, try flagging down one driving by on the street, even if you need to walk a couple of blocks (especially in touristy areas like the Forbidden City).
• To avoid overcharging by normal taxis, get a general idea of how much the fare should be by asking a local (e.g. hotel staff). Have them write down your destination in Chinese, along with their price estimate to show to your driver.
• If you’ve been overcharged or scammed, write down the license plate number as well as the driver’s ID number so that you can report them. Also, take some photos of the car and driver if possible.
• A related scam: You (2 or more people) agree on a fixed price. When it’s time to pay, they’ll claim that the price was “per person.”
• Whenever possible, I prefer to keep my luggage with me in the back seat in the unlikely event that I’m getting scammed and need to toss some bills at them and storm out.

China Scam #4: Super-Cheap Tour Scams

WHERE: Various places (but especially tours around the Great Wall of China ).

THE SCAM: You get lured in by some dirt cheap tour (what do I have to lose, you ask?). You find yourself herded onto some dirty bus and now you’re strapped in and out of control.

What you don’t know is that they make their money on the commissions from all the various shops along the way (thinly disguised “tourist sites”).

With no way to get back to Beijing, you have to endure these marathon pit stops of never-ending tourist traps (everything from “traditional Chinese medicine” to lame performances charging admission).

How to Avoid China Tour Scams

To avoid getting duped by the numerous China tour scams, here are a few things to think about:

• Don’t impulsively jump on any tour and be wary of cheap tours close to touristy sites (e.g. Forbidden City). Plan your tours ahead. A good bet is to go with one organized by your hotel or hostel since they have less incentive to pull one over on you (or recommended by guide book).
• Before signing up, ask detailed questions. Make sure that they are licensed. Check to make sure any supposed tour guide you meet has an IC card and formal reception plan from the travel agency.

Other Rip-Offs and Travel Scams in China

Here are a few other travel scams in China that aren’t as common but are still worth looking out for:

China Pedicab Driver Scams

Pedicabs are the 3-wheeled rickshaws. This is common in touristy areas of Beijing. They love to take foreigners “on a ride”.

I’m sure most are not crooks but I’ve heard too many stories of drivers who will agree on one price (e.g. Y30), then later will claim that you misunderstood and will demand higher (e.g. Y300). Or they might try to claim that it’s Y30 per person, not a total price.

This seemingly nice man will then transform into a raging beast in order to intimidate you into paying. And don’t expect anyone in the gathering crowd to come to your rescue (the first rule of the Chinese: Don’t get involved).

So just be wary and avoid drivers who are aggressively seeking you out, and agree to a price in writing. If you’re being ripped off, leave the agreed upon cash on in the seat and calmly walk away.

The China Art Student Scam

The China art student scam is a borderline scam that basically involves a young Chinese “artist” (or innocent looking couple) who befriends you and convinces you to look at some art that they supposedly produced.

But it turns out that they’re trying to guilt you into buying cheap art at grossly inflated prices (mostly a waste of time so just walk away).

Or sometimes it’s a variation of the Tea Ceremony scam where they somehow try to get you to pay an art-viewing fee or trick you into paying for insanely overpriced drinks.

Chinese Traditional Medicine Scam

This scam involves a Chinese traditional medicine clinic offering you a “diagnosis” and expensive (worthless) herbs.

As a rule, avoid any of these clinics that are part of any tour group (they pay to get a steady supply of tourists) or recommended by someone you don’t know well (including tour guides who may be getting a cut of the action).

And be wary of any that seem to cater to foreigners. Do your homework online or ask reliable locals for recommendations.

China Bar Tab Scam

The China bar tab scam isn’t common, but it’s worth keeping an eye out for.

Keep track of how many drinks you’ve had. Again, check prices of everything before ordering.

Some Chinese bars in tourist areas have “dual menus” with higher prices in the English menu for drunk foreigners who are used to paying a lot for beers. Either avoid them and go somewhere else or chalk it up to a translation surcharge.

Fake China Monk Scam

I’ve been approached on the street by “monks” asking me for a donation (mostly in Hong Kong). Some even produced some kind of “donation book,” supposedly showing money that people from different countries donated to them.

Of course, I can’t be 100% sure that they’re shady scammers since I can’t prove it….but my gut tells me that they’re con artists (I’ve asked some Chinese people and they’ve agreed with me).

For one, temples don’t send a random monk on a solo journey asking for donations on the street. One “monk” even approached me on Nathan Road in Kowloon (very touristy street) at midnight!

Rental Bike/Scooter Scam

I haven’t heard this one being used in China but good to know if you’re in Southeast Asia.

After holding your passport as a deposit (standard practice), they’ll have someone follow you. As soon as you park it unattended, they’ll pull out an extra key and “steal” the bike/scooter (or somehow disable it). Now they’ve got your passport hostage until you fork over a lot of money to replace/fix it.

To avoid: rent from larger rental operations (like ones attached to your guesthouse). Also another reason to travel with your own lock & cable. I even travel with my old expired passport for this very purpose (even though I was 15! They never look).

Final Tip: Don’t be Paranoid!!

Ok, so after walking through all of these common tourist travel scams in China, we need to step back and say one important thing:

Don’t be paranoid!

Generally speaking, China is a safe place to visit and very few people experience the scams that I’m referencing here.

Still, it’s good to know what to look out for and how to respond. I want to make sure you have the best possible time during your trip to China!

Oh, and if you’ll be traveling to China soon, make sure to check out other travel tips and resources for China that I’ve provided!

Related Posts

About China Mike

China Mike offers trusted resources about China and its history based on more than a decade of study and personal travel experience. His knowledge and writing on China has been used and referenced by universities, news publications and numerous online blogs.

China Travel Resources

Are you looking for quality China travel resources? Check out this breakdown of my favorite travel tips and resources.

Tourist Traps in China

Knowing about tourist traps is an important part of every journey. Although some of these tips mentioned below might not be considered bad by some, we are trying to help you with the things that might make you feel disappointed, cheated, or simply bored.

Before going in further, let’s emphasize that Chinese people are honest and helpful and the crime rate is generally lower than the Western countries. Most of it is because of the heavy penalties set by the government and you will have a safe trip to China . Most travelers to China would have no problem at all, especially the cautious ones, but as it is better to be “Safe Than Sorry” we will check the tourist scams you may encounter.

Tourist Traps about Souvenirs, Retail, & Restaurant

When entering a shop as a tourist, some shopkeepers try to overprice the item that you are interested in. It’s always better to set foot inside a shop with your guide so that you can have someone to help you with the prices. Keep in mind that this situation is mostly related to shops without price tags and you can always consult the price with your guide.

If you have set your mind on a specific product, you can ask our tour guides and they will help you with the best place to buy the things you want. Bear in mind that there are some thoughts in shopkeepers’ minds as local price and tourist or foreigner price and if it seems right, always try to haggle over the price a little bit. When visiting remote locations like mountains, the food and beverages may be a bit more expensive than what you have experienced in the town or the city but that seems reasonable.

When walking down the streets, you may find some people from restaurants or shops trying to get you to eat at their restaurant or buy what they sell. These places may be fine but that’s just a probability and the reasonable action is to avoid such places and visit a place with actual customers going in and out.

If you enter a restaurant to enjoy Chinese cuisine, find out the prices before ordering the food, and to have no misunderstanding, you can write the price they tell you down or the other way. There might be some extra prices for things such as tea, tissue packs, or rice bowls but it should not be much. Always be sure about every item you ask or you may end up drinking a super expensive tea you did not know about.

When you want to take a taxi, use genuine ones that have genuine meters and always ask for a receipt you get out. Getting a receipt helps you in case you have left something in the car. If you don’t use genuine taxis they may have rigged meters that would overcharge you. They also may take you to the wrong destination or say that the price is per person and not the total price you need to pay, or in the worst case take your luggage with them.

Massage Centers

When going to a massage place, take into consideration that sometimes a private room is going to cost more than you expect. So before you decide to get the service, clearly ask for the whole price. Some massages have a sexual nature and something that happens in the end, may cost you a lot more as you did not understand if the masseur starts the job, they will charge you, so clearly ask about your massage. Although most massage parlors are honest and good for their value, be careful about private rooms because that might lead to something you did not have in mind.

Cheap Tours

Always keep in mind, that nothing is cheap without a reason. There have been offers of cheap tours that turned out to take you to souvenir outlets and pressure you to buy something. Low-quality transfer, food, and guides are other parts of such tours, and also not spending enough time at the attraction site.

Pick-Pocketing and Stealing

These things usually may happen in crowded areas visited by tourists, such as walking streets, sights, markets, buses, etc. These people mostly work together and you may face more than one person beware that if you tackle them, they might take out the knives they have to run away.

A common way of stealing is that one of the thieves might bump into you or distract you and the other would steal your valuables. Try using money belts or put your valuables in places that are out of the thieves’ reach.

Avoid carrying more valuable items than you can handle and use your hotel safe box for things you do not need. If you are going for a long bus or train ride that you may fall asleep, be prepared because professional thieves would take your things from your pockets without waking you up.

In China like many other popular travel destinations, criminals have developed methods to take advantage of tourists and in some cases, even the police could not be much help and it’s better to be careful and avoid them. This kind of criminal behavior is at its most, especially during holidays when the number of tourists is high and they tend to let their guards down.

Currency exchange

Only exchange your currency inside a branch of the Bank of China or at a star-rated hotel avoid exchanging with the people on the street at all costs because this may not work the way you hope for.

Counterfeit or Wrong Change

After you have paid for an item with a banknote, always count the change back and also check if the money they return to you is clean, undamaged, and genuine. If you ever feel like the money you have received does not check all the boxes, you can ask them to change it for you, don’t be shy.

Suspicious ATMs

Reports on this one have gone up recently. Always avoid suspicious ATMs because there have been reports of fake ATMs that would steal your information and PIN. Also, it is advised to use ATMs during the daytime and if you are traveling with other people, have them beside you. Also, keep in mind that the banknotes you receive from ATMs are trust,worthy and if some tell you they are counterfeit and they would change it for you, don’t fall for that.

Typical Learning English Scam

There have been some reports on this one. You may face some people telling you that they want to practice English with you and go to a café or a tea house. Then, they will disappear and you’re left with the bill.

Fallen Money on the Street

This one is a bit irregular. If you see a roll of money on the ground, don’t pick it up. Some scam artists put them on the ground and when someone picks them up, then the scam artist would approach and ask you to share the money. They usually ask for money from your wallet or purse and then you will understand that the money roll that you picked is counterfeit and isn’t worth anything.

Like most of countries on the planet, there are beggars in China too, especially in larger cities. Keep in mind that it’s your choice to give them money or not and in most cases, you should not feel threatened but if something happens immediately report it to the police. Have some chance to give them and remember, not all beggars are telling the truth about their bad fortune.

A common story about begging is that the person asks for some cash to go back home. Some little girls sell flowers. They are professional and persistent and if they get near you, it will be difficult to get away until you buy something from them. Cripples beggars in strategic locations are another way of begging through your compassion, just remember it’s your choice whether to donate them or not.

Everything About Chinese Calligraphy

Dragon Boat Festival in China (And other countries)

Dongzhi Holiday – Winter Solstice Festival in China

Chinese Dragon Types, History, Symbolism, and Legends

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Avoiding Tourist Traps: Insider Advice for Budget Travelers in China

Graduates Needed To Teach English In China (01/12/2020) Courtesy Of iHarare Jobs

China, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, has become an increasingly popular destination for travelers worldwide. However, amid the allure of this vast and diverse country, budget-conscious travelers must tread carefully to avoid falling into tourist traps that can drain their wallets. In this article, we’ll provide invaluable insider advice on the tourist traps to avoid while exploring China on a budget.

Visa scams, particularly through unofficial application websites and phishing attempts, can be a significant concern for travelers to China. Scammers often create fake websites or send phishing emails that appear to be from official government entities, offering expedited visa services or discounted fees. 

To avoid falling victim to these scams, learn the details of official tourist visa applications yourself and always apply for your visa directly through the official website of the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country. Be wary of unsolicited emails or websites claiming visa services, and never provide personal or financial information through unverified channels. Double-check the web address and ensure it begins with “https://” for secure connections. 

Research the legitimate requirements and fees for a Chinese visa beforehand — as all the requirements, including the form, visa photos , and supporting documents, are all listed on China’s official embassies’ pages. If you encounter any suspicious communication or offers, contact the embassy or consulate directly to verify its authenticity. Staying vigilant and following official channels is crucial to protect yourself from visa-related scams while planning your trip to China.

Illegal taxis

Illegal taxis in China are a prevalent tourist trap that unwary travelers often encounter. These rogue operators usually prey on tourists at airports, train stations, and popular tourist spots, offering seemingly convenient rides at inflated prices. 

To avoid falling victim to illegal taxis in China, it’s crucial to stick to official transportation options. Use reputable ride-sharing apps like Didi, which are widely available and considered safe. Alternatively, rely on licensed taxis, which are typically metered and marked with the taxi company’s logo. On top of that, pay attention to the plate: for example, the license plates of Beijing’s legitimate taxis are started with “京B”. When approached by individuals offering unsolicited rides, politely decline and head to designated taxi stands or official transportation pick-up areas. 

Additionally, having your destination written in Chinese characters can help overcome language barriers and ensure you arrive at your intended location without any unnecessary detours or scams.

Teahouse invitation scam

The “Practice English” or “Teahouses” scam is a deceptive practice that often targets unsuspecting tourists in China’s major cities, including Beijing and Shanghai. Scammers, posing as friendly locals or students eager to improve their English, strike up a conversation and invite you to join them for a cup of tea or a meal at a nearby teahouse. Once you accept, you’ll find yourself in an upscale establishment where the prices for tea or snacks are exorbitantly high, and you may be presented with an inflated bill. 

To avoid falling victim to this scam, be cautious when approached by strangers offering to practice English, or offer something you think might be “too good to be true”. Politely decline and continue with your plans. 

Free or cheap tours scam

The “cheap or free tours” scam is a trap that can ensnare budget-conscious travelers worldwide, including China. Scammers often advertise tours with unbelievably low prices or even claim to offer “free” tours to lure tourists. Once you’ve signed up, you might find yourself subjected to high-pressure sales tactics, hidden fees, or even forced shopping stops where you’re pressured to make purchases, which can significantly inflate the cost of your “free” or cheap tour. 

To avoid falling into this scam, be skeptical of tour offers that seem too good to be true. Research tour companies and read reviews from fellow travelers. If you decide to go on a tour, ask for a clear breakdown of all costs upfront, including any potential additional fees. Legitimate tour operators are transparent about their pricing and won’t pressure you to make purchases beyond what you’ve agreed to pay for the tour itself.

Counterfeit bills scam

The counterfeit bills scam is an unfortunate but prevalent issue in some parts of the world, including China. Travelers can unwittingly receive counterfeit currency as change, especially in busy markets or tourist areas. 

To avoid falling victim to this scam, familiarize yourself with the local currency’s security features, such as watermarks, security threads, and color-shifting ink. Always check the bills you receive in transactions for authenticity. Furthermore, try to always have smaller notes with you to avoid having to receive change during transactions in the first place — to minimize the chance of being scammed.

Be cautious when receiving change from unfamiliar or unlicensed establishments, and consider exchanging money at reputable banks or currency exchange offices where counterfeit detection measures are in place. 

China is a captivating destination with many experiences, but budget travelers must remain vigilant to avoid falling into tourist traps. By heeding this insider advice and conducting thorough research, you can confidently navigate China’s tourist landscape, ensuring that your journey is affordable and filled with authentic and memorable experiences.

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How to avoid 10 common tourist traps in China

A great trip is supposed to be worth your money and time. It usually includes a good guide, fabulous sightseeings, comfortable accommodation and more. In addition, learning how to avoid the tourist traps will make your trip more enjoyable and memorable.

You may encounter tourist traps at any time in your trip. Sadly, they are set up to exploit tourists by professional scammers. What they offer is not worth the time or the money.

Tourist Traps in Souvenir Shops

Most of our clients will choose to buy some souvenirs to take home. These products often include tea , tea sets, pearl, silk and other localized specialties.

It is hard to judge if it is right to buy these products in the souvenir shops inside scenic spots.

Usually the price in these places are much higher and the quality cannot be guaranteed.

If you are interested in some particular products, let your travel advisors know and they can recommend you some good places to buy. Always remember to bargain, or even better get someone Chinese to bargain for you! Our guides are always able to help you.

Having Tea and Meals with Uninvited Strangers

This is a classic scam which involves a friendly stranger who invite you to go somewhere to drink tea, have dinner or perhaps practice their English.

Then they will find some excuse to escape and leave you to pay the bill. The scam is that usually this restaurant is owned that stranger.

Try not to drink tea or have dinner with some strangers. If you really want to make new friends, make sure you pick the place, see the menu when ordering the food and always keep the menu with you.

Touting of Hotels and Transport

You will find there are lots of Chinese people at airports, railway stations and bus stations asking if you need hotels or vehicle service. Usually these hotels and transportation are overpriced. If you do not agree with their price, they will leave you stranded in this strange city.

Beware: a reasonable price may change later. These people can sometimes be genuine and quite helpful, and the price is sometimes a good one, but if you are unsure why risk it?

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Restaurants

There are also those who line popular tourist walking routes trying to get you to eat at their restaurant or buy whatever they are selling. A general rule is to avoid places so desperate that they have to hold a menu on the street. Always find a place packed with locals. Trust your senses, and let your nose guide you. 

Always figure out the price of everything in the restaurants before eating. Extras that are commonly charged for at around 1 Yuan each are tea, packs of napkins, and bowls of rice. These may cost a little more at more expensive restaurants, but check you are not drinking a really expensive tea without realizing. If you are offered a private room, check that it does not have an exorbitant price attached.

Counterfeit Money

Learning how to recognize fake money is very important when traveling in China.

The money that you get from a bank or ATM could also be fake, even it barely happens. Anyone says they want to change your money could be a scam.

Other traps include: When you buy something, Some one will switch a note you use to a fake and then ask for another 100 Yuan note instead of “your” fake. The best thing to do here is definitely not to give them another 100 Yuan. You should call the police if you know it was a switch. 

There are some people using counterfeit money in exchange for foreign currency with new arrivals in China. They usually look for their targets on the street near popular entry points such as airports or bus stations. Most of them will offer good rates of exchange. Do not trust them. Always do currency exchange at a Bank of China, a reputable hotel, or a recognized Forex.

Use genuine taxis with working meters. Always ask for the receipt before you get out in case you accidently leave something in the taxi. 

Give me the receipt. - 我要发票. (wǒ yào fāpiào)

Illegal taxis may have rigged over-charging meters, leave you at the wrong place, claim the price was per person instead of in total, or drive off with your luggage.

Chinese Medicine

Beware of shady practitioners that charge a lot for their diagnosis or overcharge for some herbs or other “cure”.

Do not get risks with your health.

There are lots of Chinese people begging for living. It is always your choice whether you give or not, but many of their stories when asking for money are not true. The classic ask is for the price of a train ticket home by some “destitute traveler”.

Often crippled beggars are left in strategic locations and used by someone as a way of earning money from peoples’ compassion.

Scruffy girls selling roses are often very persistent and highly skilled professionals. Try to avoid them as you will find it difficult to get away until you have paid.

Pick-Pocketing and Stealing

Beware of pick pockets in areas frequented by tourists, crowded streets and markets, sights, buses, etc. Often there will be more than one working together.

We do not recommend you to pursue them as they often carry knives in order to force a getaway.

One thief may distract or bump into the victim while the other steals. Use money belts or put your valuables where they are difficult to get at. If you have a backpacker, always put it in front of you. 

People Selling Stolen Cell Phones

Do not talk to any people who want to sell you stuffs on the street. They will say it is a stolen goods and the price is very cheap. However, if you want to buy it, they will switch it to a fake phone when you are not paying attention.

Choosing a reliable travel agency to arrange your trip in China is always the best way to avoid the tourist traps. We also have come up with some tips to help you define a local travel agency .

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Top Travel Traps in China and How to Avoid Them

Almost equally awe-inspiring as its history and cultures, potential tourist scams and traps always take international travelers by surprise, not in a good way for sure. Without a local head, travelers, especially the first-timers, are easy targets for frauds and traps. This, however, is never the reason to hold back your trip or make it less enjoyable. Here we are sharing some common tourist traps and insider tips about how to keep yourself away.

Historic landmarks draw more and more international travelers

Common travel scams and traps

Money safety.

Potential hazards lie around at some currency exchange shops and ATM machines. Some exchange shops tout for unbelievably great exchange rate but give you fake banknotes. The only safe way to avoid this is to exchange at the bank or withdraw money directly from a legit ATM machine.

As an increasing crime across Asia, some ATM machines have been sabotaged or tampered with shady methods to draw your cards or, even worse, steal your PIN. Always use the machine during daytime and stay away from those looking suspicious.

Always look for exchange desks with the green sign and clear exchange rate board.

Credit card information leakage has been continuously reported. However, this situation is more seen in other Asian countries rather than in China. In China, you might need to pinch your password while making payment, which ensures that the transfer is safe under your surveillance. 

On the other hand, however, international transfer fees are something to beware.

Although not that common or high-risky for foreigners, the trap of “a roll of banknotes found on the street” can still be dangerous. The scam artist will come along the second you pick up the roll and he/she might ask to share, requiring your own money to split up the new-found fortune.

Make-up attractions and knock-off purchases

Antique dealing is under strict custom regulations and you may check the local rules before purchasing.

One fundamental understanding between legit attractions and the fake ones is the latter will always try to sell you something. Some shops sign up contract with big tour operators and exploit tourists under the camouflage of attraction or museum. What you find at these places has little to do with cultures, history or experiences whatsoever. This happens more often with the fixed group tours, of which the tour guides are driven by commission.

Jewelry, silk, pearls, Chinese paintings or antiques can be nice presents to bring home. And you may also find some international brands at extremely low prices. Hold your horse. You need to keep an eye on this great deals or else you will come home with something worthless.

Approaching strangers or somebody in need of help

A beautiful tea ceremony can turn into a sinful scam.

Absolutely no news for the tea ceremony scams or pretty lady frauds. You will be invited to a tea ceremony, a meal or even a drink with a stranger (normally an attractive young lady speaking good English) and end up paying a bill of up to USD1000 for only a drink. A new trend is an invitation to a hands-on experience such as a “free-of-charge”calligraphy class.

It is awful to think that being helpful might also cause you problems when you are ready to offer a hand to somebody in need of help. They might ask you to take care of their stuff for a short while when they attend to something else (for example, toilet). Or begging, for a more common scenario. Just keep in mind that one that needs help should always contact the local police or other Chinese, not you, a foreigner.

“Real bargain” tours or services

The word “FREE” is truly appealing however be mentally prepared of what you are walking into. Some tour agents sell their day trips, bus tours or other services at low prices, or even free of charge. It can look pretty until you are tossed into a shop or asked for extra service fees. Profit comes from selling souvenirs or other stuff that you don’t need. Compulsory shopping or detours compromise or even ruin your traveling experiences, which is the least thing that you want from a holiday.

How to avoid them: keep a clear mind and sharp eyes

Travel safely and wisely, making this China holiday a journey of a lifetime.

When something is too good to be true, then it’s not. This is the rule of thumbs. There are some steps that keep you safe from all the scams and traps.

Read about posts on common scams and traps. Hazards come in different approaches yet one thing they share is that they are fishing with something seemingly pretty. Unfortunate experiences that are posted on travel websites or forums can be valuable lessons you draw from others’ mistakes.

Always look for legit signs. For independent travelers, signs and plates that are issued by Chinese government indicate the right places to go, no matter for shopping for antiques, choosing a travel agent, buying train or airplane tickets or exchanging money. Most of them are in English so you won’t miss them.

Choose your tour operator wisely. Compared to traveling independently and handling all details on your own, a private tour service not only saves you time and trouble, but can also be an excellent precaution to avoid frauds.

CET focuses on nothing but authentic experiences and will never take you to shops or make-up attractions just to extort commission out of your pocket. Our local tour guides share their experiences and insider tips on how to explore China on your own without stepping into any trap. Also, our 24x7 customer care will be with you all the time and when you need help, we are always one call away.

Overhyped, Overrated Tourist Traps to Avoid at All Costs

Overrated tourist destinations.

There are plenty of attractions that you must see when traveling. You can’t go to Paris for the first time without seeing the Eiffel Tower, and few people want to come home from Yellowstone without photos of Old Faithful. But for every tourist destination that’s come by its iconic reputation honestly, there’s a crappy tourist trap that isn’t worth your time or money.

Sure, a lot of this comes down to personal opinion. After all, one person’s tacky attraction is another person’s campy must-see perfect for Instagramming. Yet, we feel pretty confident that the overrated tourist destinations on this list are a total wash. Their lines are long, the crowds add hours to your visit, and the chances of having the time to genuinely take in what you’re seeing are very slim.

Our advice: With the time and money you saved by giving these a miss, find some place more beautiful, compelling and unique to visit instead.

Plymouth Rock

Let’s start where America started, except that America didn’t really start here, anyway.

Put bluntly, this attraction is massively lame. It’s just a rock, in a fancy canopy that’s way more impressive than the rock itself. As the story goes, the Pilgrims first disembarked onto this rock in 1620 when they arrived in what would become America. They quickly founded Plymouth Colony, which is recreated down the road in a tourist destination much more worthy of your time.

But the truth is that no one even claimed that this particular rock was the arrival point until the mid-18th century, so…yeah, it’s likely all made up. Also, Native Americans were here long before the pilgrims showed up. Besides, the pilgrims landed at what would become Provincetown, on the tip of Cape Cod, a month before Plymouth anyway.

Blarney Stone

Let’s move across the ocean from Plymouth to another big ol’ dumb rock: the Blarney Stone near Cork, Ireland. The deal with this rock is that you’re supposed to bend over backwards to kiss it, and thus receive the gift of “blarney” – essentially eloquence.

If waiting in line for several hours to plant your mouth on a rock slimy with the moisture of a million other lips touching it is your thing, be our guest. But we’d rather walk around the more interesting grounds, including a garden of poisonous plants.

Completing our tour of overrated rocks, we’ll scoot over to Wiltshire, England, in order to warn you to avoid Stonehenge.

It’s not that this prehistoric monument is a total waste, but it’s never quite as grand as you were expecting. The stones aren’t 50 feet high, and the crowds take away the sense of eerie wonder that must have entranced those who stumbled upon the mysterious circle back in the day.

We’ll be honest – there are tons of stone circles all over the United Kingdom, many of which are far more impressive in their location and beauty than Stonehenge. The Calanais Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland are a great example.

Niagara Falls

It’s certainly not true that the waterfalls themselves are overrated. In fact, they’re stunning, a majestic display of the power of water.

The problem with the falls is the entire mini-economy of tourist crap that’s been built up beside (and under) them. The Canadian side is a little better than the American, but still, it’s just an unending array of gift shops, tacky restaurants and tourist attractions, as if Branson, Missouri set up shop beside one of Earth’s natural wonders…and blocked the view.

Times Square

Times Square, the beating heart of New York City, is loud, tacky, overcrowded and not very much fun. That won’t stop most tourists from venturing into it anyway, only to break free, several minutes or hours later, gasping at how awful it is. Yep, we said it.

While Manhattan has made real efforts to improve this area with pedestrian-only sections and better traffic flow, it’s still insanity, so we can only recommend going there if you’re on your way to a Broadway show. Otherwise, the best way to see it, if you must, is to walk down 8th Avenue and take a quick peek at its humming activity.

Four Corners

Lest you think we have something against crowds, our next stop on the overrated tourism tour is one that’s remote and rarely very crowded. Four Corners is where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah meet, forming, well…you get it.

As you may be aware, states don’t have actual physical borders, so there’s not much here but a plaque in the ground and a bunch of state flags. If you’re driving by anyway, sure, stop, but don’t go out of your way, like, at all. At least it’s free.

This might be the most controversial inclusion on this list, and we get it: If you’re taking the time to go to India as a tourist, you’re probably going to go to the Taj Mahal. But don’t say we didn’t warn you.

First, you will drive forever to get there. Then, you will stand in line forever to get in. And then, once you’re in, you and approximately one million other people will pour through the palace, utterly ruining its serenity by chattering, taking photos and generally missing the entire point of the place, which was built to mourn and honor a lost love.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Your enjoyment of this attraction will really depend on how much you’ve taken in the title of the place, because it says it all: There is a tower in Pisa, and it leans. That’s about it.

Oh, you can climb it, too, if you like waiting in line to exert yourself near utter strangers in order to glimpse an ok-ish view of the Italian countryside. Also, it’s 18 Euros (about $20) to do so.

Westminster Abbey

It’s not that Westminster Abbey isn’t impressive – it is. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Brits like Charles Dickens and Darwin, and explore the aisle where royal luminaries such as H.R.H. Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge walked on their wedding day.

It’s just that the church is so darn crowded, with guides leading herds of tourists around while braying out information. Also, a heads up before you go in: This is not the place where Prince Charles and Princess Diana got married (that’s St. Paul’s Cathedral) and it’s not where Jane Austen or William Shakespeare are buried (Winchester Cathedral and the Church of the Holy Trinity in Stratford, respectively).

There are a lot of famous churches and cathedrals in the UK; make sure this is one you really want to see.

Madame Tussauds

There are a bunch of these strange wax-figure museums in cities around the world, including Amsterdam, Paris, Sydney, London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, New York and Las Vegas. All of those cities are known as tourist destinations, which should give you all the warning you need.

This is, at best, a sort of weird place, and at worst, a hugely depressing slog which will make you question just why our society values celebrity so much. However, if interacting with creepy, poorly rendered copies of famous people is your thing, at least you know you have myriad opportunities to do so, as long as you’re willing to cough up some cash (generally between $20 and $35, or more if you want to tack on attractions like “Ghostbusters: Dimension Hyper Reality Experience”).

Versailles might be the most depressing tourist trap on this list, because it could be a beautiful and intriguing destination if it weren’t so filled with other tourists. But because so many people want to see Louis XIV’s palace about 30 minutes outside of Paris, and because the folks who run this place seem to have never heard of fire code guidelines, you’re almost guaranteed to see more of the back of strangers’ heads than the palace itself.

If you must go, explore the idyllic and less-crowded grounds instead, timed to when the fountains are on.

Wall Drug Store

About 10,000 signs alert you to the fact that Wall Drug is ahead when you drive across South Dakota, probably on your way to or from Mount Rushmore. The signs are fun, giving you something to look for while you drive what seems like an endless highway.

But just keep on driving and don’t stop: Once a gimmicky but real drug store, Wall Drug is now a shopping mall that specializes in crap. Imagine fake cowboy hats, fake cowboy boots and tacky t-shirts, not to mention overpriced food, as far as the eye can see. The only thing worth stopping for is the jackalope (a made-up jack rabbit/antelope cross-breed) statue, and the still-free cup of water.

South of the Border

Then there’s this place off three well-trodden highways in South Carolina, which makes Wall Drug look like the epitome of taste and subtlety. Like Wall Drug, South of the Border was designed to trap tourists (and their money), but it doesn't have Wall Drug’s history.

It was developed in 1950 to be intentionally campy, and boy, did the owners succeed. Attractions include a video arcade, a tiny amusement park, fireworks stores and a statue of “Pedro,” a crude caricature of a Mexican bandido.

This place is truly depressing, like the underbelly of American consumerism flipped over and left to burn in the sun.

Manneken Pis

Lest we start to think Americans have a lock on the tacky, Brussels steps up.

This inexplicably famous statue shows a little boy urinating into a fountain. Let’s be honest: If you go to Brussels, you’ll probably go to see him. But at least you won’t expect much. It’s a little boy. Peeing. That’s it.

The "Mona Lisa” at The Louvre

Millions of people flock to the Louvre in Paris every year, and a huge portion of those millions make their way to Room 711 to see Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous "Mona Lisa." We’ve been there. And we can tell you, it looks exactly like you were expecting, except smaller.

Is it worth it to wait in line for hours to peer through bullet-proof glass to see it? That’s up to you. But we can tell you that the Louvre has thousands of other pieces, almost all of which are beautiful and easier to see.

The Empire State Building

Yes, yes, it features in two of the greatest romantic movies of all time, “An Affair to Remember” and “Sleepless in Seattle.” All we can say is that these days, with its steep entrance fee, massive crowds and intensive security check, it’s hard to find much to love here. And when you actually get to the top, you can’t even see iconic sights like Central Park!

Our advice: Take photos of this building from outside, and move on. There are many places in the city that offer the opportunity to snap a great shot of the Manhattan skyline...and they won’t cost you $20.

Pyramids of Giza

They’re an ancient wonder, but pretty hellish for modern-day visitors.

For one thing, the Pyramids of Giza (the most visited pyramids in the world) are in a desert, and, as you may have heard, deserts are usually hot and dry. That makes for a difficult journey to the site. Add in the difficulties of negotiating your entrance fee — different prices are set for different pyramids — and the fact that exploring the structures involves navigating long, dark, narrow, low tunnels to see a bunch of empty rooms…and, well, we’ll pass.

Trevi Fountain

This fountain in Rome was completed in 1762 and has been revered for its beauty ever since. We’re mentioning that because you’ll likely have trouble doing more than glimpsing it unless you go at the crack of dawn.

Hundreds of people wait for hours to throw a coin in because a legend insists that doing so assures that they’ll return to Rome one day. Don’t bother being one of them — just book a return trip!

Hollywood Walk of Fame

The appeal of this array of stars set in concrete eludes us. It’s not like the famous people are there, or that the stars are in any way distinctive — they just have a famous person’s name on them.

If watching celebrity superfans and teenagers let loose on family vacations is your thing, then by all means, head down to Hollywood Boulevard. But we suggest you skip the stars as well as the former Mann’s Chinese Theatre (now the TCL Chinese Theatre), an inexplicably overhyped gaudy monstrosity of a cinema on the same street.

The history at this famous site in San Antonio is interesting, of course, and the courage of the people who died there compelling. But a glance at the website, where instructions for this “Shrine to Texas Liberty” include “Gentlemen, please remove your hats…” reveals the problem: It takes itself way too seriously, and streamlines a complicated history into simplified ideas about bravery and sacrifice.

Also, it’s small and often crowded and too hot.

Tower of London

Look, we know you’re going to go to the Tower of London if it’s your first time in the city. Just don’t say we didn’t tell you what to expect. The crowds are endless, so bad that in some parts you’ll queue for a half-hour in order to ride a people mover — including past the Crown Jewels — to maximize the number of people who can “see” the exhibits. And you’ll pay about $40 for the honor of doing so.

Also, keep in mind that this is a place that tries to pass off a bunch of loud crows as “the Tower Ravens.” Off with their heads.

Copenhagen Little Mermaid Statue

Fancy a long walk through Copenhagen for no other reason than to gaze at a four-foot-high statue stuck on the waterside, while jostling for space alongside a bunch of other tourists who got snookered into doing this?

If so, we have a suggestion of which statue to see. Prepare to wait a long, long time to get your photo taken with her.

Mount Rushmore

It’s a very cool sculpture, Mount Rushmore, set high in the Black Hills of South Dakota, begun by Gutzon Borglum in the 1920s and finished in 1941. But even if you have no issues with the men portrayed and the men who carved them, the problem is that it is set very high in the hills, so far away from the viewing platform at the National Park dedicated to it that you need to bring binoculars to really see much of anything.

Also, there are hundreds of people around you trying to see the same four faces. Next.

Roman Colosseum

When you’re planning a trip to Rome, people will tell you you have to visit the nearly 2,000-year-old Colosseum, but oh, we wish you wouldn’t. The queues to go in are long and disorganized. And once you make it in, the walking is difficult, there are tons of people there, and few interpretive signs are provided.

If you have to go, try to do so in the off-season, when there are fewer people and cooler temperatures. We hate to double-diss Rome in this list, but alas! Thumbs down. (And don’t worry: There are a million other amazing sites to explore in the city instead.)

Grand Canyon Skywalk

You might remember when this opened in 2007; people went nuts over the idea of a glass walkway jutting out over the rim of the Grand Canyon, theoretically allowing visitors to gaze down into the abyss. But the key word here is “theoretically.”

These days, the Skyrim is so crowded that you can barely see your own feet, let alone any tremendous views, and the price gouging is out of control: The cheapest ticket is nearly $50. Maybe instead just drive to a lookout on the canyon rim, and, you know, look out?

Statue of Liberty

The strange thing about the Statue of Liberty is that so many tourists are willing to go to Herculean efforts (generally involving at least a long subway ride and a ferry) to get to it when there is so much else to see and do in New York City. At least it’s now open, having been closed after September 11, 2001 for many years because of security concerns.

But the big secret of the Statue is that the views out of the crown aren’t very good, and you have to climb an extremely claustrophobic staircase to get to them. Our advice is to take the Staten Island ferry for a great view of Lady Liberty for far less time and money.

Whale Watching

We get it: Whales are majestic and beautiful creatures. But the truth of the matter is, unless you’re going whale watching in an area where there happen to be lots of active whales who like to jump and slap their tails around, you’re going to be underwhelmed.

Most whale-watching tours involve staring into the middle distance over the ocean for long periods of time, only to be sent running to the other side of the boat to see what looks like a small dark island appear and disappear in the water. And you paid $50 a person for that. Yay?

Bird poop. Sorry, but that’s what Venice is full of, due to all of the pigeons that flock here. Also flocking? Tons and tons of tourists.

What no one tells you about Venice (but we will) is that the canals make for lots of narrow and confusing streets, with quite a few dead-ends along the way. Now, picture those tiny streets packed with people, and smeared with…well, you know. Poop.

French Quarter

All anyone ever talks about regarding New Orleans is how charming it is, and given what the city has been through in the last 15 years, with Hurricane Katrina decimating it, we’re all for its charms being celebrated.

But the French Quarter is not charming. It’s full of visiting day drinkers and businesses that use sleaze to sell more drinking. Other areas of the city, like Algiers and the Garden District, are far more enticing and authentic.

The Las Vegas Strip

Everyone visiting Las Vegas thinks that it’ll be like being in one of the “Ocean’s 11” movies (original or 20th century versions). It is not. It’s much more like tromping around a bunch of fake (cool, but fake) attractions in the blazing desert heat.

Everything costs $1,000,000. Everyone is nice to you because they want your money. You can’t get close enough to those freaking fountains at the Bellagio to even really see the show.

Eventually, you’ll give in, go back inside, and play the slot machines for hours, just like everyone else.

The Hollywood Sign

For those who feel that giant letters just do not get enough tourist attention these days, this famous sign, high in the hills over Los Angeles, is must-visit. For everyone else, though, shots of it in your favorite L.A.-based movies or television shows are likely satisfying enough.

The hike up to the sign is steep, and, well, let’s just say the letters aren’t more interesting from behind. Hit pause next time you’re watching, instead.

Willis Tower

This used to be called the Sears Tower, and it’s a very, very tall building in Chicago, once the highest in the world, actually.

In theory, it offers amazing views of Chicago and Lake Michigan, but once you factor in the crowds and Chicago’s frequent bad weather, it’s not worth the trouble.

By the way, the Willis Tower offers the Skydeck, a glass-floor that extends out from the tower. You’ll pay $24 a person to enjoy all four feet of it. Yep. Four feet.

There’s no denying that Denali, the highest mountain in North America is stunning, an immense form on the horizon seen from the national park that bears its name.

The problem is that you have about a 1 in 3 chance of actually seeing it, since it makes its own weather and seems to be awfully fond of creating fog.

Alaska is a long way to travel to see fog, even if you vaguely understand that there’s a mountain in it somewhere.

Najing Dong Lu

Shanghai’s most famous street is frequently called a shopper’s paradise. It’s a pedestrian area, often compared to Times Square, which should be all the warning you need: like New York’s “shopper’s paradise,” Najing Dong Lu is crowded and full of scam artists.

And the shopping? Mediocre, and full of chain stores. Visitors who stand out from the Chinese crowd will be particularly targeted, harassed by frequent offers of counterfeit goods and ladies of the night.

Christ the Redeemer Statue

Like the Hollywood sign — a comparison that is not often made with Jesus — the famous Christ statue in Rio de Janeiro is better appreciated from afar or on screen.

The problem here isn’t the beauty of the statue, which is just as impressive up close, but rather the grueling traffic on the road to get there, and the massive crowds once you finally make it. Not to mention that plenty of tours stop for 10 minutes, tops.

Old Town Prague

Prague’s Old Town section, dating back to the Medieval era, is both historical and attractive.

Everyone else has figured this out too, however, so you’ll be lucky to catch a glimpse of the actual tiny, exquisite buildings while you trundle along, jostled constantly and trying not to trip over the cobblestones.

Arrive early or late for a better shot of actually seeing something there.

Sacre Couer

This cathedral in Paris, where prayers are said 24 hours a day, is stunning. As a bonus, the views over the city are gorgeous, too.

So, why is Sacre Couer on this list? Because of the super-aggressive hustlers on nearby streets, including by the entrance to the funicular that many visitors will take to and from the cathedral to avoid multiple steep staircases.

These ever-present scam artists don’t take no for an answer, and ruin what should be a peaceful, contemplative place.

Burj Khalifa

Oh, great, another super-tall building. This one is in Dubai, and, as of this writing, is the current record holder for tallest in the world.

The usual caveats apply here: if you absolutely must have a birds-eye view of Dubai or enjoy the idea of visiting an 148th floor, go for it, but most people will wonder if the trip to the top was worth $100 a person. Yes, really.

Forbidden City

Beijing’s most famous tourist attraction fails in the same way Versailles does: in an effort to let in as many tourists as possible, far too many people are in the Forbidden City most of the time.

It’s hard to imagine that a site as large as this one could feel crowded, but because most visitors want to see a relatively small portion of it, they tend to cluster together in cramped areas.

You’ll be moved along quickly by workers, and have a stunning view of the backs of many strangers’ heads.

Vatican City

There’s plenty to see in the Vatican City, but frankly, it’s depressing to experience this much wealth in one place. Everything not nailed down (and some things that are) seems to have been plated with gold, and there are enough tapestries and velvets and jewels to make you think you’ve wandered into Liberace’s closet.

Of course, there are some stunning works of art here, and you can enjoy them if you don’t think too hard about how much good such wealth could do in the world instead of piled up here.

Lavish in a completely different, tackier, way, Elvis’s mansion is still attracting visitors, 40 years after his death. It’s become one of those self-perpetuating tourist destinations, where people go because it’s there for people to go to, more than because they’re real fans of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Save yourself the trip and some money by buying a velvet Elvis painting at your local thrift shop. It has exactly the same effect.

The Sydney Opera House

Often referred to as one of the most iconic buildings in the world, and few visitors to Sydney will miss taking a photo of it. That’s all fine, but only those who actually want to attend a performance should make further efforts to see it up close.

Most visitors agree that the interior is nothing special, and not worth the trouble. Also, there are about a million steps around the property, making the appearance that you can glide right up to it decidedly incorrect.

Moscow’s jewel is a must-see for most visitors. But be warned: It’s just a square. There’s not much in there besides huge crowds. The better idea is to visit the old buildings around it and nearby, and snap photos of the skyline from outside of it.

Since construction scaffolding there seems to have become a new constant for Russia and it’s particularly dense around here, there’s even more reason to appreciate it from afar.

The White House

No matter what your opinion of the current residents of the White House, the tour itself is a bit of a snooze, unless you happen to snag a ticket during the winter holiday season when the decorations are pretty enough.

After waiting in a line for a very long time, it takes forever to clear security to get inside: seriously, it’s worse than taking a plane. The White House itself is surprisingly small, and the section you’re allowed to see even smaller. Add in the Secret Service watching everyone’s every move, and maybe you’d rather just watch another episode of “The West Wing”?

The Great Wall of China

Sure, if you’re in China, you should take the time to see the Great Wall. It’s pretty, uh, great. What’s not great, though, is Mutianyu, the restored section of the Wall not far from Beijing, where most tourists end up.

It’s frequently overcrowded, and, due to the restoration’s air-brushing effects, lacks the atmosphere of the rest of the wall. If you go, make sure you visit the less crowded, less tidy sections.

Khao San Road

We're sure this short street once deserved to be the most famous in Bangkok. But like so many places on this list, its popularity was its downfall. 

If you visit today, you'll mostly find a line of vendors selling the same elephant pants, cheesy bags with "Bangkok" printed all over or T-shirts with lewd references catering to the party backpacker crowd. Everything you find here, from the food to the alcohol to the souvenirs, is over priced and the entire road is meant for tourists. Do yourself a favor and skip visiting this "attraction" altogether.

It seems extreme to deem an entire country as a tourist trap, but when you're as small as Monaco, generalizations are a bit inevitable. 

We concede that the tiny country is very beautiful, with glittering views of the Cote d'Azur and aesthetically pleasing structures like the Prince's Palace. The problem is that Monaco is all looks and no substance. As an entire country that mostly seems to exist so the rich can go squander their money, the micro-nation is simply soulless. Unless you're part of the 1 percent and are going to gamble, a half-day trip from France is all you need. Better yet, don't bother visiting.

South Beach

We'll let you in on a secret: People who live in Miami usually skip South Beach. 

The city is filled with beaches, many of which are much more beautiful than the crowded and dirty one that basically puts Miami on the map. Yes, the area is definitely worth visiting, especially if you want to experience the legendary South Florida nightlife. But if you want to enjoy the sand, go elsewhere.

Sunny Isles Beach is the best in our opinion, but you can also stay within the city of Miami Beach by booking a hotel with a private beach.

The Eiffel Tower

We are by no means saying that the Eiffel Tower itself is overrated. In fact, we'd encourage you to cut ties with anyone snobbish enough to say so. 

What is overrated, however, is going up the tower. Sure, there's something romantic about saying you were at the top of one of the world's most famous buildings, but the problem is that the view you get of Paris is not the best. Why? Well, because a view of Paris that doesn't include the Eiffel Tower is inevitably underwhelming. Besides, the arduously long lines are not really worth it.

For the best view of the City of Lights, we recommend going up the Arc de Triumph at night. You'll get to see why the area is called l'etoile, or the star, and get a magnificent perspective of Paris that includes the Eiffel Tower. Another option is to go up the Montparnasse Tower, if only so its ugliness doesn't intrude on the otherwise breathtaking panorama. 

Hoi An is included in every guidebook to Vietnam for its incredibly well-preserved ancient town. We won't deny its beauty, accentuated by canals and bridges connecting different architectural styles. 

But once again, tourists have ruined a good thing and Hoi An is now more like Disneyland than a real town. The entirety of the place seems to run mostly to please tourists, with aggressive vendors, exaggerated prices and too many crowds. If you visit in summer, the extreme heat exacerbated by the masses makes you feel like a sardine in a tin can.

Swing at the End of the World

If you use any kind of social media, chances are that you've stumbled upon pictures of travelers in Ecuador swinging right onto what looks like the edge of a steep mountain. 

Though the pictures are definitely Insta-worthy and the views are pretty, this is a case of fake social media. In reality, you have to wait in line for 30 to 40 minutes just to get on the swing for about three pushes while your friends or tour guide snap pictures of you. Besides that, the swing isn't really at the edge of a cliff but rather on a slope that gives that illusion if you point your camera at the right angle. 

Ecuador has many places that are truly breathtaking and wondrous. Wasting a couple of hours of your time just to go take a picture that's really an optical illusion is simply a bad decision.

The thing about Phuket city is that besides being overly touristy, its beaches are most definitely not what they look like in pictures. Perhaps before the area was a poster child for overtourism or before plastic waste overtook the world, Phuket was truly a beautiful place to visit. 

Sadly, that just isn't the case anymore. Go to any public beach in Phuket, and you won't be able to walk 2 feet without running into trash. Even the sand sometimes also has trash, so sunbathing isn't very pleasant. The only clean beaches you'll find are the private ones, and those are not only expensive but feel more like Miami's South Beach than anything. You'll get restaurants with Western food, pop songs blaring and overpriced beer. 

The one exception to this are the Phi Phi Islands, which are not actually in Phuket, but which constantly get tagged as such. This is partly the reason why people expect beaches in Phuket city to be idyllic.

La Sagrada Familia

The construction of the Sagrada Familia has has taken hundreds of years longer than that of the Great Pyramid of Egypt.

Gaudi's most famous work and Barcelona's most iconic landmark, this church is certainly unusual and worth seeing — from the outside. What's really overrated is standing in line for hours and hours and paying almost $25 to go inside. Not that the geometric patterns and columns of the inside aren't astonishing, but much of it is still not finished and the crowds are unbearable. 

Although this is a place of worship, its status as a main tourist attraction have stripped it of any introspective, spiritual or even sacred feeling. We're not sure this is what Gaudi had in mind for his masterpiece.

Sacred Monkey Forest

Ubud's Sacred Monkey Forest is a tourist, backpacker and digital nomad favorite. It's lauded as a must-see place in Bali, which we think is just plain wrong. 

To begin with, Bali has many incredible sights that should be visited, including its numerous temples, like Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, its rice terraces and the imposing Mount Batur.

The Monkey Forest could be interesting as a temple, but its main draw is the several wild monkeys that have made their home here. What you mostly spend your time on is seeing people get way too close to the monkeys to try to snap a picture, which is something we definitely don't recommend, as monkeys can be aggressive and have very powerful jaws. There are also monkeys all over this Indonesian island, so we don't get the appeal of going to a jammed-packed attraction just to see them.

Let's be honest: Maid cafes are creepy. 

Now a typical stop in the itinerary of Western travelers — many of which have a disconcerting obsession with Japan — maid cafes are something you should skip. Their whole gimmick is that they're normal cafes, but instead of a regularly-clothed waitress, you get one that's dressed like a sexy maid. If that doesn't give you the immediate creeps, there's not much we can do for you. 

If you want to check out a themed cafe, we recommend the Alice in Wonderland restaurant or the Vampire Cafe .

The Space Needle

As far as city symbols go, the Space Needle is nothing to gush about, but it does make the Seattle skyline instantly recognizable. 

We're not against the Space Needle per se, but we wouldn't recommend paying the $30 to go to the top. The price seems exaggerated given that the structure doesn't even provide the best views of the city. Seattle also has many mountains and viewpoints that provide much better scenery for free.

If you want to have the cheesiest, most expensive tourist experience of your life, go to Epcot. 

This Disney park in Orlando, Florida, has you pay around $120 for the privilege to go in and see stereotypical replicas of actually cool places. Then, you get to go and spend even more money for inauthentic experiences and food that is for the most part pretty awful. 

Epcot may not be the worst Disney park in the U.S. , but it's a pretty close contender.

Even if you're not a die-hard fan of the "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" trilogies, this preserved movie set looks like a place you'd want to visit. 

Small houses with round doors are carved into the sides of soft hills and surrounded by the green countryside. The problem is that to see them, you have to pay about $85 for a tour that lasts around two hours. Groups of tourists are rushed through the set, so you don't have much time to really take it in and enjoy the beauty. As it should be obvious, the houses don't have interiors. 

Hobbiton is certainly pretty, but the experience of it is an expensive let down, especially when there are so many other amazing places in New Zealand.

Lombard Street

Winding down the hill like a snake, we can understand why Lombard Street in San Francisco first drew attention as a tourist attraction. What we don't understand is why it has remained one. 

An estimated 6,000 people visit Lombard Street daily , creating heavy traffic and making it impossible for residents to go on with their life. People willingly wait in traffic just to spend a few minutes driving down a zig-zagging street. Given that residents have complained about this problem for years, we deem this attraction one of the worst examples of tourism gone wrong in the U.S.

We hate to be those people, but if you had visited Tulum 10 years ago, you would have found the perfect jungle paradise that people still go look for. 

Then, of course, tourists arrived in masses. With them came the bulldozers that turned the town from small and sleepy to loud and crowded. Jungle was replaced by concrete and luxury condos, and resorts stand where there were once wooden structures. Sacred cenotes are being used for raves by spring breakers. Beaches are now also facing serious trash problems, even those within the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve, which are supposed to be protected. The situation is so bad that there are several op-eds trying to decipher who killed Tulum .

This area of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is one of the saddest examples of a magical place turned amusement park by unregulated and unconscious mass tourism. We're sorry to say this, but don't waste your time with it. 

The London Eye

The London Eye, the Ferris wheel that dominates part of the city's skyline is beautiful ... from afar. But doing a long line and paying a lot of money to go on it really isn't worth it. 

For one, the views aren't that great, and the experience is basically the same you'd get at any carnival that comes through your town. Unless you're dying to be trapped above the ground with your date, there are many more exciting things to do in London.

The Middle of the World

Ecuador capitalized on its location right on the Equator (hence the country's name) by building a monument and a museum on the "middle of the world." Both were really just a gimmick to allure tourists, and when the GPS was invented, it was discovered that the spot was actually around 700 feet off. 

While the distance to the real middle of the world isn't huge, it's still not very worth it. Yes, you can balance an egg on a nail according to testimonies, but besides bragging rights that don't mean much to anyone, it's not a very interesting place.

Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, is definitely one of the best small towns in the U.S. But while we love the town, we'd advise anyone visiting to avoid its boardwalk on the weekends. 

During the week in the off-season, it's very pleasant, but when the crowds take over, it turns from peaceful to loud and crowded. All the stores and restaurants nearby are also overpriced and usually not that good anyways.

Waikiki Beach

Like much of Hawaii, Oahu was taken over after the kingdom was colonized by the U.S. and turned into a cash cow. But no place on the island has suffered as much as Waikiki Beach.

Where there was once a rugged shoreline and one of the most sustainable societies in the world, there are now countless hotels and resorts. None of these resorts are visually interesting, and they only work to provide visitors with access to the beach while blocking the sun and the view for everyone else.

You'll hardly see a Hawaiian at Waikiki unless they're working — that should be the only sign you need.

Casa di Giulietta

The house that supposedly inspired Shakespeare's most famous play is incredibly beautiful. Sadly, visitors saw its traditional beauty and decided that the best way to honor it would be by treating it like a bathroom stall in a dingy bar. 

You'll see the walls full of gum, love notes and scribblings that make it look like a sixth grader's notebook. Somehow, nobody has thought to put a stop to this infamous practice or the creepy tourist tradition of groping a Juliet statue to "get good luck in love." 

Once again, tourists have damaged a place that could've been incredible.

Mall of America

Mall of America is the largest mall in the U.S. That's its entire claim to fame. But really, it's nothing except a mall, and we'd hope that after the age of 15, we wouldn't have to hang out at the mall for no reason anymore.

It does have a roller coaster inside, but so do other much cooler attractions. It's not even good for shopping since you'll have to walk long distances to get from one side to the other. Skip it altogether when visiting Minnesota.

Seattle's Gum Wall

We thought hipsters had stopped being a thing a while ago, but this wall in Seattle proves us wrong. What's the attraction? That it's covered in gum. Big deal, so is every desk in every high school in the world. 

The worst part about it is that people actually make lines to take pictures in this unsanitary "attraction." Hopefully, a global pandemic will make them see the error of their ways, and this wall — who some ridiculous people call a work of public art — will disappear soon.

Drottninggatan Street

Every travel guide to Stockholm sends people to Drottninggatan for shopping. And, apparently, every tourist heeds the call. 

Rather than being good for shopping, the street has become a long gallery of souvenir shops that locals avoid like the plague.

Myeong-Dong

Like Drottninggatan, Myeong-Dong is a shopping district in Seoul, South Korea, that now mostly exists for tourists. The street does have actual shops, but the crowds make it annoying for actual shopping, and things are overpriced. 

People who don't know better also say the street food is great. They're simply wrong. Most of the street food stalls on the street are subpar, probably because they know tourists don't know any better. 

If you really want to see it, satisfy your curiosity. It definitely isn't terrible. But there's much better places for food and shopping in the South Korean capital. We personally love Hongdae's youthful vibe and Insa-dong.

St. Louis' Gateway Arch

The arch once marked the westward expansion of the United States. It's the largest arch in the world and something worth seeing if you're in St. Louis. 

But it's definitely not cool enough for you to make a trip to St. Louis just to see it. And given that it's basically the only attraction in the city, unless you have family or business there, you'll be fine seeing it in pictures.

Sydney Fish Market

The largest fish market in the whole world is bound to attract tourists. Many, many tourists. 

This is what dooms Australia's Sydney Fish Market, which could be cool otherwise. But the walking dollar signs that tourists often are to locals has inflated the prices of the fish here. Rather than a local shopping experience, you'll spend most of your time bumping into other people and trying to hear anything over the noise.

Myrtle Beach

Why is Myrtle Beach still a thing? Everyone knows that the South Carolinian beach town is dirty, overcrowded and overpriced. What's worse is that its beaches really aren't that nice at all.

We get air travel used to be expensive, so people didn't have a choice except to go to nearby beaches. But that has changed, and you can now access actually nice beaches in the same amount of time and for the same amount of money. Don't go to Myrtle Beach. Just don't do it.

Victoria Peak

The towering mountain that dominates the skyline of Hong Kong could be its greatest treasure. After all, it is the tallest hill in the city, meaning that it provides sweeping views. You also take a cute historic tram up to the top, which is actually an enjoyable ride. 

So what's the problem with Victoria Peak? Greed. 

Once you get to the peak, you're invaded by an ugly mall filled with overpriced restaurants and gimmick-y attractions like Madame Tussauds. You can still get a view, but you have to basically work to escape the traps. The whole experience feels like the definition of a tourist trap, which is terrible given that this is one of the most visited attractions in the world .

Disneyland Paris

Yes, yes, Disney is a dream destination for many people who can't get to Florida or California. 

But wasting time you could be using to explore Paris and its surroundings going on rides designed for children and meeting people in large cartoon suits? That's just not right.

We're sorry, Dubrovnik. We really do think you're one of the most beautiful places in Europe. 

Like so many other places on this list, however, Dubrovnik is impossible to enjoy. It's not just that it's popular and many people visit. It's that a lot of these people are day trippers who come in giant cruise ships. It's basically Venice 2.0. 

These people come down the ship in swarms, filling up the Croatian city with hundreds, sometimes thousands of more people who are in a rush to take pictures in the same spots. Given that Dubrovnik is a very old city and was not designed for a large population, the amount of people that come is simply unsustainable.

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• Safety Tips for Travelers to China

Overall, China is very safe for travelers. People are friendly and more than willing to help foreign travelers, even if they speak little to no English. Violent crimes are rare, and it is safe to walk alone on the streets any time of the day or night. Female travelers can also rest assured that they can walk the streets safely, use public transportation without any concern, and take cabs without incident. Even so, it’s important to take some safety precautions whenever you are traveling in a foreign country. Below are some tips to help you stay safe while traveling in China.

1. Avoid confrontations

Chinese people generally avoid confrontation, but fights can happen and it is important to avoid getting involved in any sort of physical confrontation with locals. This is a rule that applies to pretty much any country, including China. If you happen to see two locals ensnared in a fight, do not get involved.

It’s also worth noting that some Chinese people talk loudly in what can sound like harsh tones to foreign ears. This does not mean they are having a verbal confrontation, however; it’s just the way they speak.

2. Obey local laws

China may have different laws than your home country. It’s important to know that China has harsh penalties for people who possess or sell illegal drugs, and these rules and punishments apply to foreign citizens too. China may refuse entry to a foreigner caught trying to smuggle drugs into the country. Depending on the amount and the type of drug, violators can expect to receive sentences that range from a few years in prison to the death penalty, as well as a financial penalty.

3. Keep valuable possessions in a safe place

Pickpockets are uncommon but not unheard of in China, so keep your wallet or purse where only you can reach them. Do not leave your belongings unattended, and do not keep your phone in a place where someone can easily grab it. Be sure to write down your hotel’s phone number and keep it with you in case you leave something valuable in your room and need to contact the hotel.

4. Avoid illegal taxis

There are usually fixed places to hire taxis at large airports or train stations in big cities, and you can ask the staff where to get a taxi if you cannot find it. There may be people who approach you at the exit of the airport or train station and offer you a taxi ride. We suggest you ignore these people, however, because they may not be licensed taxi drivers, and their cars may not be in good condition. They may also try to overcharge you or give you false banknotes.

5. Road safety

In China, when crossing roads or bicycling, even if you are on a crosswalk, be careful of vehicles. Some Chinese drivers are reckless and do not give pedestrians the right of way.

6. Watch out for scams and tourist traps

One of the most common scams you’ll see as a tourist in China consists of people approaching you and offering you something politely, especially souvenir-type items at tourist sights. After you accept their offering, they may ask you to pay or donate some money. We suggest refusing any items that strangers offer you for no reason.

Another kind of scam involves young people pretending to befriend you to bring you to a nice bar or nightclub. The end result is an excessively priced cup of tea or drinks. Do not accept strangers' invitations no matter how friendly or insistent they are. If you refuse them, they will quickly move on to try to find another unsuspecting visitor.

Another common scam is people who will replace your genuine banknote with a fake one and then return the fake banknote to you claiming that the money you gave them is fake. This normally happens when paying cab drivers or street vendors. They usually do this with 100 yuan notes, since they are most valuable, although it may happen with 50 yuan notes too. Our suggestion is to keep some 10 or 50 yuan banknotes for small payments and avoid using 100 yuan notes when taking taxis or making small transactions.

At some tourist sights, you may see local people dressed in traditional clothes. Be sure to ask before taking a picture of or with them, because they may charge you for the photograph afterwards.

7. Ask for help from locals

If you are traveling on one of our tours, your guide and driver will accompany you and help you handle any hassles or difficult situations during the day. During your free time, your guide and travel specialist will be available 24/7 by phone or text and will be ready to help whenever you may need.

If you are traveling on your own and encounter an unsafe or urgent situation, you may ask for help from the local people around, especially those in uniforms. Before your trip, be sure to let your loved ones back home know where you will be and pass on your flight and hotel information.

The China Guide is a Beijing-based travel agency that customizes private tours, educational student tours, and incentive trips across China. We have more than ten years of experience crafting tours for tens of thousands of travelers from the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, and beyond. We promise all our tours have no hidden fees, no shopping stops, no touristy restaurants, just memorable experiences! Learn more about us or contact us to start planning your perfect China trip .

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Best Spots in Lijiang (China’s Biggest Tourist Trap!)

By Author Christian L.

Posted on Published: December 7, 2016  - Last updated: October 2, 2021

Categories Destinations , Asia , China

Lijiang, in Yunnan Province , is the closest thing you will get to a real wonderland. Well, that’s how it would seem without the crowds of tourists.

Along with the Badaling Great Wall section, it is one of the most notorious tourist traps in China.

The Old Town of Lijiang (the new town is like any other Chinese city) is a well-preserved old city of ethnic minorities. It is closed for cars and motorbikes; the local Naxi Minority Culture on display.

Even though it has become an extremely popular place for tourists, Lijiang is a great place to kick back for a few days. My first visit to Lijiang was in 2008.

Although tourists were plentiful back then, it is nothing like what it became in 2016. Once a place of the only family-owned restaurants; Old Town now features a Starbucks and a Burger King.

Prices in restaurants and bars in Lijiang are heavily influenced by a large number of visitors and can be quite expensive.

When it comes to accommodation, however, the Lijiang area does offer some of the cheapest International Hostels in China . You are required to pay a ticket price of  80 RMB even to enter Old Town of Lijiang.

You can still get in for free by skipping the main entrance and opting for a side street.

But don’t let the tourist trap scare you away from visiting. It´s definitely a worthwhile destination if you are travelling through the Yunnan Province in Southwestern China.

Your itinerary should include a visit to the Wangu Pavillion. Its located on a hill overlooking the Old Town and offers great views.

Besides the obvious attractions, I found it most enjoyable to explore the labyrinth of back alleys.  If you happen to get lost, there are streams that run all over the city. Just follow a stream North, and you will end up at the water wheel near the main entrance.

Just outside of Old Town of Lijiang, you can find the Mao Zedong statue. It is easily accessible by foot.

Also, be sure to check out Jade Spring Park (Black Dragon Pool Park). Its located about 1km from the main water wheel.

Additional information about Lijiang.

Tuesday 13th of August 2019

Yesterday, someone told me that the old town didnot exist no more! I am happy to see that this is not true. But a lot of fourist now. What a difference with the situation of 1987, the year when I visited the town.

Christian L.

Friday 27th of September 2019

Hello. There was a big fire in Lijiang old town in 2013. But everything is rebuilt to the original style

Wednesday 7th of August 2019

Hi Could i have information or detail about skiing and snowboarding in Lijiang Please Thank you so much

There are ski resort and slope around the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Friday 27th of July 2018

Appreciate the recommendation. Let me try it out. - Stormy

michathecook

Saturday 5th of August 2017

i am lucky to work and reside in lijiang. Yes the tourist areas are crowded during the public and school holidays yet there are 35 to 40 weeks left with a quite laid back atmosphere in a truely amazing setting. there are many hidden gems and walk of the main streets will display them esay to you. Come and enjoy. Lijiang is definitely worth a visit.

Fabio Nodari

Monday 19th of December 2016

I love Lijiang, no matter how touristy is today...

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China’s Bizarre Program to Keep Activists in Check

By Jianying Zha

Recently, the Beijing police took my brother sightseeing again. Nine days, two guards, chauffeured tours through a national park that’s a World Heritage site, visits to Taoist temples and to the Three Gorges, expenses fully covered, all courtesy of the Ministry of Public Security. The point was to get him out of town during the 2018 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, held in early September. The capital had to be in a state of perfect order; no trace of trouble was permissible. And Zha Jianguo, a veteran democracy activist, is considered a professional troublemaker.

While President Xi Jinping played host to African dignitaries in the Great Hall of the People, the police played host to my big brother at various scenic spots in the province of Hubei, about a thousand kilometres away. A number of other Beijing activists and civil-rights lawyers, including several whom Jianguo knows well, were treated to similar trips. Pu Zhiqiang headed for Sichuan, Hu Jia to the port city of Tianjin, He Depu to the grasslands of Inner Mongolia, and Zhang Baocheng to Sanya, a beach resort on Hainan Island. Kept busy in the midst of natural beauty and attended to closely, they had no chance to speak to members of the foreign media or post provocative remarks online.

This practice is known as bei lüyou , “to be touristed.” The term is one of those sly inventions favored by Chinese netizens: whenever law enforcement frames people, or otherwise conscripts them into an activity, the prefix bei is used to indicate the passive tense. Hence: bei loushui (to be tax-evaded), bei zisha (to be suicided), bei piaochang (to be johned), and so on. In the past few years, the bei list has been growing longer, the acts more imaginative and colorful. “To be touristed” is no doubt the most appealing of these scenarios, and it is available only to a select number of troublemakers. In Beijing, perhaps dozens of people a year are whisked off on these exotic trips, typically diehard dissidents who have served time and are on the radar of Western human-rights organizations and media outlets. Outside the capital, the list includes not just activists but also petitioners ( fangmin )—ordinary people from rural villages or small towns who travel to voice their grievances to high government officials about local malfeasances they have suffered from.

Jianguo became a tourist only in recent years, but he has been a target of governmental attention for more than two decades. In 1999, he was given a nine-year prison sentence for helping to found a small opposition group, the Democracy Party of China, the year before. Since his release, in 2008, he has lived under constant police surveillance, which is ratcheted up during “sensitive” periods. For three months surrounding the Beijing Summer Olympics that year, the police parked in front of his apartment building night and day. Officers periodically knocked on his door to search his home, and followed him everywhere he went. Just as polluting factories were shut down and a barrage of rain-dispelling rockets were launched to insure clear skies during the Games, political irritants were vigorously contained.

China has grown wealthier and more powerful in the ensuing years, and, as it hosts more global forums, there are more sensitive dates on the state’s calendar—Party congresses, trade summits, multinational meetings. Old imperial powers, with deep pockets and grand ambitions, tend to be fastidious about their image as host and benefactor, and China has always set great store by ceremony. Each occasion is vulnerable to disruption by protesters, so care is taken to sweep them out of sight. All major state functions have so far run without a hitch: perfect weather, perfect banquets, and perfect citizens waving glow sticks. Since 2011, China’s annual spending on domestic weiwen , or “stability maintenance,” has, according to some reports, surpassed defense spending.

But how serious is the threat of a disruption? After Jianguo and his comrades launched the Democracy Party, all its leaders were swiftly sent to prison, and, for the past ten years, Jianguo has been a solitary critic, with no party affiliation, no N.G.O. membership, no local or foreign patron. Now sixty-seven years old, he lives alone, having moved to a ground-floor apartment because he tires when climbing stairs. He eats and drinks modestly: mostly vegetables, a light beer or two. Having lost a lot of hair during his prison years, he shaves his head. He used to hold forth at meals; now he listens more than he talks. His smile is serene, as if to convey that all under Heaven is forgiven. Someone remarked to me once, “Your brother looks like a Buddha now.”

Yet, in recent years, the Chinese government has come to see him as more, not less, of a security threat. The authorities monitor his phone, block some of his messages, and bar him from certain gatherings. During sensitive periods, he is watched and followed around the clock. On bei lüyou trips, three officers usually accompany him, often including one who sleeps in his hotel room.

Why do they think he is so dangerous? My brother may no longer operate a party cell, but—like more than a billion other Chinese citizens—he does have a cell phone. He regularly posts his analyses of current events in online groups, and he has become an increasingly prominent pundit on the Chinese Internet. Since 2012, Jianguo has trained his criticism chiefly on one target: the Global Times ( Huanqiu Shibao ), a pro-government, strongly nationalistic, and influential tabloid daily, which is distributed widely under the auspices of the People’s Daily. In a series labelled “Debating the Global Times ,” Jianguo took up editorials and scrutinized them point by point.

Looking at his posts, I used to marvel at his bullheadedness, but the whole thing seemed to me like playing a game of solitaire; the posts appeared to go unnoticed. Gradually, however, I saw that Jianguo was honing a new voice, and gaining a following. From 2012 to 2017, he produced, with accelerating frequency, a total of four hundred and fifty-six “Debating the Global Times ” posts. He was helped by the explosive growth of WeChat, the messaging and social-media app: by 2015, Jianguo was sending a new post every other day to between fifty and seventy WeChat groups, reaching tens of thousands of readers.

He’s part of a broader trend. Since organized opposition is impossible, protest and resistance have increasingly shifted to the Internet. Spotlighting abuse and corruption, online critics and bloggers have often succeeded in rallying public opinion and pressuring authorities to act. Online platforms like WeChat and Weibo, in their fragmented immensity, can still provide badly needed public spaces for critical exchange, as well as bonding and camaraderie, all with the advantage of speed and influence.

Back in the late nineteen-nineties, the Democracy Party of China was a fringe group of radicals whom the government could easily quarantine. Reformist intellectuals, who supported a path of incremental change, viewed men like Jianguo as politically naïve and their mission as suicidal. Few people even knew that his party existed. But now, using social media, Jianguo has accomplished something that his old comrades never could. He has reached the much larger camp of Chinese liberals—educated urbanites who generally embrace Western ideas of democracy, want the rule of law, and are critical of the party-state. Although they have flourished in China’s “reform era”—decades of fast growth that have brought them apartments, cars, holiday travels, study abroad for their children—they are mostly convinced of the superior vitality of the multiparty system. In a joke they liked about the 2016 U.S. election, a bunch of eunuchs are so appalled by the bawdy quarrels among the married folk that they congratulate themselves: “How fortunate we are to be castrated!” Yet many Chinese liberals doubt that the Western system is feasible in their country. They fret about the burden of history, about the prospect of chaos and mob rule. In their own lives, they avoid radicals and former political prisoners, for fear that such association might jeopardize their personal freedom. They shun the sort of political action that could put their comfortable life style at risk.

These are the people I’m friends with in Beijing; they know me as a writer and as someone who, for years, was a regular presence on a moderate-liberal TV talk show that they all watched. (Which is to say, I’m mindful of what lines can’t be crossed when addressing the Chinese public on Chinese airwaves.) So why are so many of these liberals now reading the views of a radical like my brother Jianguo? One factor is the darkening of China’s political landscape. Xi Jinping’s initial speeches as President about “putting power into a cage” had given hope to many liberal pragmatists, but what he really meant quickly became clear: he intended to cage any threats to his own authority. And he has managed to do so through a ruthlessly extralegal anticorruption campaign, all in the name of “strengthening the rule of law under the Party leadership.” Amid ever harsher crackdowns on civil society, many previously tolerated liberals are feeling a chill: every day, there’s more news about arrests, detention, censorship, and blackmail. Investigative journalists, public intellectuals, media critics, college professors, editors and publishers, human-rights lawyers, and environmental activists—nobody feels safe anymore.

One evening in June, 2017, as I was leaving my Beijing apartment to meet some cousins of mine for dinner, I got a text message from a friend, a law professor, saying that the police had taken my brother away. Jianguo had planned to join us for dinner that evening but called the day before to cancel, because police were already stationed outside his building, in anticipation of the twenty-eighth anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre.

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What I didn’t realize was that, the day before his arrest, Jianguo had posted a short piece in which he pointed out the political instability of the moment and the possibility of an accidental eruption. He then sketched out a potential cascade of protests and crackdowns, which could culminate in a military coup. The next day, while the piece circulated among his WeChat groups, Jianguo went to a neighborhood massage parlor. Herbal pads were being laid on his face when the manager rushed in. “Some men at the door want to see you,” she told him breathlessly. Jianguo assumed it was his usual tails. “Tell them to wait outside,” he told the manager. But a moment later she returned, looking terrified. The men had shown her their police I.D.s, and insisted that her client come out right away. Jianguo knew then that it was serious. “Oh, well,” he said, apologizing. “Looks like I can’t finish the facial today.”

When I got the news of Jianguo’s arrest, I called his cell phone, to no avail. After alerting his daughter, Huiyi, who lives in Orlando, I set off for the restaurant. My cousins were concerned, but not greatly; maybe we had all grown a little blasé after witnessing Jianguo’s skillful dealings with the police for so many years. As we were leaving the restaurant, I got a message from a family friend who had stopped by Jianguo’s apartment. I clicked open an image of my brother, seated in his living room, in handcuffs and an olive-green prison uniform. The police had brought him home to conduct a search but were about to take him away again.

I called various activists and lawyers, and made plans to meet at Jianguo’s apartment the following morning. My friends persuaded me that we should keep the news of his detention to ourselves, and make private, direct contact with the police. The next morning, to my surprise, I reached the district police officer in charge of the case, Officer Liu, on the first try. “I’m Jianguo’s—” I began, and Liu replied, simply, “I know who you are.” He assured me that he would meet me straightaway. I waited at Jianguo’s apartment for hours. Just as I was giving up hope, the door opened, revealing several uniformed police officers and Jianguo’s smiling face. Officer Liu, a genial-looking man who appeared to be in his late thirties, greeted me politely but clearly wasn’t eager to engage in a conversation. “We don’t want to interrupt the family reunion,” he said quietly, before leaving.

The Chinese police state can be at once harsh and accommodating, insidious and absurd. I got a sense of these peculiarities in 2008, when Jianguo was released after almost a decade behind bars, and a team of policemen was assigned to monitor him daily for three months. They were unfailingly polite, even solicitous, bargaining on his behalf at shops and carrying heavy bags for him. One hot afternoon, they helped install an air-conditioner in his apartment. Since they followed him everywhere, I jokingly suggested that Jianguo might as well ride in the police vehicle, to help reduce expenses and pollution. The officers happily obliged. Once, I went along, riding beside the police driver and holding my young daughter on my lap. When Jianguo went out to eat with friends, the policemen, usually two per shift, would take a table at the other side of the room, eating their meals while keeping an eye on him. They began calling him Big Brother ( dage ), with a note of affection. Jianguo laughed when he told me; his guards were oblivious of any Orwellian connotations. “But, of course, they are just doing their job,” he added. They were ready to haul him off to jail, he knew, whenever they were ordered to.

With the practice of bei lüyou , things grew stranger still. On the road, the three policemen assigned to Jianguo would look after him as though they were his assistants: they bought sightseeing tickets, checked in and out of hotels, helped with his luggage, took snapshots of him at scenic spots. They fussed over him at meals, heaping meats and vegetables onto his plate, ladling up additional bowls of soup for him. Sometimes they booked a trip through an agency and ended up travelling for days with a group of real tourists. The all-male quartet aroused curiosity and inspired innocent guesses about their relationships. “So, are you father and sons?” “Colleagues?” And, pointing at Jianguo: “Is he your boss?”

Of course, their real boss was ultimately Xi, who chairs the National Security Commission. Since Xi became China’s paramount leader, it has been possible to detect a Maoist revival in state politics and stealthy moves to resurrect the chairman’s cult of personality, particularly after Xi got the constitution changed to eliminate Presidential term limits. But the two leaders have strikingly different styles. As Andrew J. Nathan, a China expert at Columbia University, put it to me, in a succinct formulation, “Mao was a chaos guy, whereas Xi is a control guy.” Indeed, Mao sometimes called to mind the Monkey King in the classical Chinese novel, who flipped dizzying somersaults in high clouds and created constant tumult with his magic wand. “The Golden Monkey wrathfully swung his massive cudgel,” Mao wrote, in a famous couplet. “And the jade-like firmament was cleared of dust.” Yet, when it came to the human soul, Mao was a consummate master of control. You could see this in social attitudes he encouraged toward “political criminals.” In Mao’s time, hatred of the “counter-revolutionaries” was widespread and intense. They were viewed as scarcely human “enemies of the people.”

Xi plainly intends to emulate Mao in all sorts of ways, but he is ruling over a different China. Attitudes have long since mellowed and grown more than occasionally irreverent, even toward the Core Leader himself. To encourage worshipful affection, state media tried to popularize the honorific Xi Dada (Bigbig Xi), which is how one addresses a father or an uncle in various dialects. But other nicknames for the potbellied leader—such as Baozi (stuffed bun) or Winnie-the-Pooh—have gone viral. Defying official bans, stinging satires about a fatuous new emperor have percolated through social media. In Mao’s era, people got shot for such disrespect.

The ranks of the Communist Party are swelling—they’re now pushing past eighty-nine million members—and so are the ranks of corrupt Party cadres. Although online tribes of Little Pinks (as youthful nationalists are called) can turn hysterical and aggressive, most young people join the Party for career opportunities and material gain. Xi has urged a renewal of ideological indoctrination at all levels, but it’s hard to say how effective these efforts really are. The average person hardly notices the robotic Party-speak that has returned to television, or the kitschy propaganda billboards that have become ubiquitous in the streets. Xi’s anticorruption campaigns and nationalist-strongman politics may have won popular support, but true believers are an endangered species in what has become a brazenly pragmatic society.

Sun Liping, a sociologist at Tsinghua University, once argued, in a widely circulated blog post, that the biggest danger China faced was not mass unrest or sudden collapse, as many feared, but inner rot. He referred to several concurrent phenomena: unchecked power overseeing a “warped reform,” entrenched interest groups and fat cats bent on preserving the status quo, and a general unravelling of social trust. If Sun’s thesis is right, the most urgent task for Chinese leaders today is not perfecting “stability maintenance” but taking on the greed and cynicism that have become a national disease. Sun was, however, not optimistic about the prospects for treatment; he thought that the decay had spread through the entire body politic.

Bei lüyou is a symptom of this disease. The scheme would seem to be the brainchild of someone who, alert to how lavishly the state will spend on all security-related affairs, figured out a way to creep through the back entrance of the great government banquet hall to join the feeding frenzy in the kitchen. The aim of bei lüyou was plainly to pamper diehard dissidents enough to soften their defiant spirit, but it could also serve as a morale-booster among the rank and file of the security forces. For them, it’s essentially a free vacation that counts as work. In Mandarin, this is called a meichai , a beautiful duty. Jianguo was taken on four such trips between October of 2017 and September of 2018, providing almost a dozen meichai slots for the police. The officers varied as much as the itineraries, and I imagined them haggling over the rotation of these coveted slots. Perks must be shared. Once, Jianguo told me why an elderly policeman was assigned to his team for a trip south: the man was about to retire, and he’d never been to any tropical beaches.

It’s hard to say exactly when bei lüyou started, but an early instance reportedly occurred in 2012, and involved a prominent environmental activist named Wu Lihong. A peasant turned crusader, Wu had exposed hundreds of companies that were illegally polluting the water in his home province, Jiangsu. His tenacious campaign to protect the beautiful Lake Tai had earned him the moniker Lake Tai Warrior. In 2007, just as an outbreak of blue-green algae in the lake affected the drinking water of more than two million people, Wu was sentenced to three years in prison. Five years later, during the Communist Party’s eighteenth National Congress, when Xi assumed power, policemen took Wu from his home to visit Xi’an and its celebrated Terracotta Army. Then, in 2014, during another “sensitive period,” the Jiangsu police took him off for “sightseeing and relaxation” at a plush mountain-resort hotel usually reserved for senior state leaders—at, of all places, Lake Tai.

According to Huang Qi, a human-rights advocate in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, bei lüyou in Sichuan typically involves ordinary petitioners. The Sichuan police, Huang told a journalist, have sometimes covered the expenses for officers’ friends and relatives as well. The police even paid a “lost-work fee” to those petitioners who negotiated for a compensation of income they were forgoing during the trip. Those who refused to go on the trip, though, were handled roughly.

In Beijing, Jianguo has been treated with more delicacy. On all but one of his trips, he was the lone “guest,” accompanied by three guards. Then, this spring, he refused to go on a scheduled trip. His leg was hurting; he was fed up with the forced excursions. “I’ll stay home—you can monitor me right here all day,” he told the police. They panicked. A charm offensive ensued, as officers kept visiting him with different proposals. Too warm in the south? How about the wooded regions in the northeast? Can’t sleep well with another person in the same room? From now on, you can have a hotel room to yourself. After three rounds of patient coaxing, Jianguo gave in.

In a photograph from his northeastern tour—it was taken by one of his police handlers—he is standing on an observation deck in Hunchun, Jilin Province, which overlooks both a river bordering North Korea to the south and a range of wooded Russian mountains to the north. “The spot is called Three Countries at One Glance,” Jianguo told me. “For the first time in my life, I actually set eyes on two foreign territories.” Later, when we met up for lunch, Jianguo brought a present for my daughter: a pocket mirror with gilded carvings of an old Eastern Orthodox cathedral, packed in a gaudy gift box. He had bought it at a souvenir shop in Harbin, an old Russified Manchurian city in Heilongjiang Province. I gazed into the mirror and caught an odd expression gazing back at me: was it a grimace or a smile?

The truth is, I’ve wondered about the possibly corrupting influence of Jianguo’s tangled dealings with the police. That formula of Nietzsche’s comes to mind: If you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze into you. Had Jianguo’s experiences with bei lüyou instilled in him a measure of sympathy toward the officers entrusted with his fate? Was it having—in some small part—its intended effect?

It’s plain that Jianguo’s years of arrests and imprisonment haven’t bent his will. In matters of principle, he has never backed down. He openly condemns the despotic rule of the party-state, and he refuses to stop writing or posting his criticism. But, when he’s in actual contact with the police, he responds to civility in kind. And here things get more complicated, because some police officers have gone further than civility. One officer told him, “I’ve read your book and my admiration for you is total.” The phrase he used, wuti-toudi , literally means “with four limbs and a head touching the floor”—admiration to the point of prostration.

Even when Jianguo was arrested a year and a half ago, his police guards stopped by a restaurant to let him “have a good meal” before taking him to a secret detention site. The next day, picking him up to go home, they brought him yogurt and a meat pie. During initial questioning about his online post, the police appeared to want to get him off the hook.

“Maybe you didn’t write this piece yourself,” an officer suggested. “Maybe you copied it from some Web site?”

“No,” Jianguo replied. “I wrote it, and I’m one hundred per cent responsible for it.”

“O.K., but maybe you haven’t sent it to too many other people besides this one small WeChat group?” The group has about seventy people, closely watched by the police because several members are well-known intellectuals.

“I’ve sent it to a lot of other groups and people,” Jianguo said. “But I can’t recall the list or give you the names.”

The officers scratched their heads and sighed. They told him they were trying to make it easy for him. Using a term for revered elders, they addressed him as Zha lao .

It would be wrong to assume that these policemen were moved to help Jianguo out of human kindness. If a “stability-disrupting” case happens on their watch, the officer in charge may take some blame. “We’ve been scolded by the higher-ups for being too soft on you,” an officer complained to Jianguo, “and now you post this call for a military coup! You’re putting us in a very difficult position, Zha lao!  ”

Once, Jianguo told me about an insight he had gained from years of prison life. There’s an old Chinese saying: jingfei-yijia , “cops and gangsters belong to the same family.” The phrase usually suggests a corrupt equivalence between the two, but Jianguo discovered something else: they share a similar code of honor. Honor, though, takes a variety of forms, being associated with character, with money, or with knowledge. According to Jianguo, an implicit hierarchy exists behind Chinese prison walls, with the political prisoners at the top, thieves and other common criminals in the middle, and sex offenders at the bottom. Wealthy convicts bribe jailers for favors. A well-educated inmate enjoys esteem and privileges because the warden can ask him to write papers for an online diploma the warden might be pursuing or to tutor his son for a college exam. Political prisoners enjoy the highest prestige because of the power of their personal courage. Violence—brawls, bullying, beatings—is a daily reality in Chinese prisons. A prisoner of conscience, however, is usually left alone by his fellow-inmates; a tacit distinction is made.

I once heard a similar account from the late Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo. At the same time, there have been plenty of reports about officers abusing, even torturing, political prisoners. Two activists I know have told me in detail about their horrendous treatment during detention: one, in Beijing, was savagely beaten and shocked with electric prods; the other, based in Guangzhou, was interrogated continuously for four days and nights, until he suffered a physical breakdown and lost consciousness. Huang Qi, the Sichuan activist, was reportedly beaten and abused in jail, and denied proper medical attention for his ailments. Several detained human-rights lawyers said they were forced to take drugs that made them feel dizzy and enervated. One of them, Xie Yang, told his attorney about his treatment (which also included beatings and sleep deprivation). The attorney made it public; subsequently, on state and social media, Xie renounced his own account as a fabrication. For many observers, it was an updated version of the public self-denunciations of the Cultural Revolution .

When I discussed the reports about drugs with Jianguo, he seemed less than persuaded, and told me that police officers he knows scoffed at the suggestion. It was as if, having spent so much time among security personnel, he could now easily inhabit their perspective. He told me a story of milder abuse, an officer deliberately shining a very bright light on a political prisoner’s face during interrogation, making the inmate sweat profusely. “I know both the officer and the prisoner,” my brother said. “The officer has a low opinion of the man, because he considers him a wimp. As a rule, the police are soft on the tough, and tough on the soft. So, if they sense a weakness in you, it will bring out the bully in them.”

His words reminded me of a sad story about one of his fellow political prisoners. Wen (as I’ll call him) was sentenced to twenty years on charges of “organizing and leading a counter-revolutionary group.” During his first eleven years behind bars, his mother died and his wife divorced him, and he was allowed to see his only child, a girl, just once. In a moment of despair, Wen signed an admission of guilt, in the hopes of having his sentence reduced. After the news of what he’d done spread, a dramatic change in attitudes occurred: inmates made snide remarks, while jailers gave Wen spoiled food and picked on him. He eventually received a reduction of four years, but he was no longer considered a man of honor. His hair swiftly turned white.

In order to persuade Jianguo to stop writing “dangerous articles,” Officer Liu had talked about the prospect of another long sentence. “Look, it’s been exactly nine years since you finished your nine years in prison,” Liu had told him. “If you get another nine years, it wouldn’t be a nice way to live out your old age, would it? Think about your daughter, your grandchildren.” With a small flexing of the wrist, the line suddenly drew taut.

Jianguo has been divorced twice, and Huiyi, his only child, moved to America many years ago. In Orlando, she got her first job, at Disney World, and eventually, with her husband, started two small companies, in real estate and rental management. The companies now have dozens of employees. Huiyi and her husband have a daughter and a son. Jianguo speaks about the family’s immigrant success with parental pride, impressed by their entrepreneurial pluck. He cherishes the annual reunion when his daughter and son-in-law arrive from Florida with their two healthy, bounding children. But, despite Huiyi’s repeated invitations, Jianguo won’t leave China; he fears that he would be forbidden to return.

Others have made a different choice: there has been a growing exodus of dissidents and activists from China, including some of Jianguo’s old Democracy Party comrades, spurred in large part by constant harassment. Economic uncertainties, heightened now by the U.S.-China trade war, are making many affluent Chinese jittery. Some have already decamped or hedged their bets by transferring capital and setting up a second base abroad. In liberal WeChat groups, the mood swings between bravado, defeatist humor, and gloom; rumors about collapsed trade talks are often accompanied by whispered warnings of a coming storm.

Recently, stirred by news of more departures, Jianguo posted an unusually emotional piece, expounding on the nature of patriotism. In his view, it arises from a deep love of the land and the people, not necessarily of the state or the ruling regime. He understands those friends who have decided to leave and wishes them the best for a new life in a freer country. He even appreciates a motto widely quoted in his circles: “Wherever there’s freedom, there is my homeland.” But that’s not his motto. “I’ll never leave,” he wrote. He’ll never leave, and he’ll never quit.

That’s what he concluded after a careful consideration of Officer Liu’s warning. “In the end, my mind is clear and at rest, as always,” Jianguo said. He has told me repeatedly that he is prepared to return to prison at any time, for any number of years. My own mind is not at rest; at the moment, I’m all too conscious of the Chinese government’s habit of jailing activists around Christmas, a down period for the media and the diplomatic services. Since Xi came to power, a number of Jianguo’s Democracy Party comrades have been sent back to prison, and their sentences are heavy. At sixty-five, Qin Yongmin, a widely admired activist and the founder of the party’s Hubei branch, is serving a sentence of thirteen years. It is his fourth; he has already spent twenty-six years behind bars. In July, 2017, Liu Xiaobo , the long-imprisoned Nobel laureate, died of liver cancer during his fourth prison term, set for eleven years. The dissident community, mourning Liu’s death, took note of the cool responses of many Western governments.

Jianguo views these developments soberly. He has long since shed any illusions of fast social change or enduring media attention. “If I’m sentenced for another nine years, or twelve or thirteen years,” he told me calmly, “I’ll just forget about the outside world and focus on my life inside prison. Family and loved ones—well, those thoughts will be there for a while. It will take time. I’ll read some books, play some Go, get on with my cellmates. I’ll try to make the best out of each day. I’ll think about nothing else, nobody else.” I was at once chilled and comforted by his resolve. The words floated back to me: Your brother looks like a Buddha now.

On November 6th, when I was in New York, Jianguo texted me about the midterm elections and made me promise to inform him of the results as soon as I heard. He was going to a dinner the following evening with some Beijing intellectuals, and everyone was keen to hear the latest news. Twelve hours later, when I forwarded the first posted results to his WeChat account, a message flashed on my phone’s screen, informing me that the account I’d directed the message to had been blocked, and that “no information can reach the destination.” For the fifth time, the censors had shut Jianguo’s account down.

A day later, he opened a new account, with the name BeijingZhaJianguo6, but a line had been crossed. After five shutdowns, as the police had warned him, he was blocked from large online groups. This is how all Chinese companies, including giants like Alibaba and WeChat’s owner, Tencent, defer to the police state. Savvy Chinese Internet users, with or without the aid of a V.P.N., employ all sorts of techniques to break through the Great Firewall, and Jianguo has definitely learned a few tricks to evade the censors. But lately the situation has deteriorated. On certain days, even after all the camouflaging maneuvers, a fresh opinion piece of his would vanish mysteriously, with no error message. Neither the sender nor the recipients would even know that something had gone amiss unless they checked with one another.

This is bei hexie , “to be harmonized,” a form of virtual erasure. Bent on transforming the global Internet into a Chinese Intranet, official censors have made deft and extensive use of the method. You may know about Vice-President Mike Pence ’s recent speech on the Trump Administration’s China policy, viewed by many as a declaration of a new cold war. But in China very few saw the actual text; it was met with swift bei hexie . The current arms race between the censors and the censored in China can be summed up in an old proverb: The monk grows taller by an inch, but the monster grows taller by a foot.

Now Jianguo has been shut out of all large online groups. “I’m forced to post my articles less often,” he announced in a recent post. He’s decided to write longer pieces and send them to smaller groups, in the hope that members will repost them in larger groups. “But I trust that all free voices cannot be blocked. Even if all the roosters are silenced, the dawn shall still come.” ♦

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By Evan Osnos

By Peter Hessler

Tourist Traps to Watch Out For

Where did you all go for the Labor Day long weekend? China is a very foreigner-friendly country when it comes to traveling, but you still need to watch out for potential travel scams and traps. Our forum readers share their personal unpleasant experiences

Where did you all go for the Labor Day long weekend? China is a very foreigner-friendly country when it comes to traveling, but you still need to watch out for potential travel scams and traps. Our forum readers share their personal unpleasant experiences while traveling in China. Let us know what travel scams you’ve fallen for in the comments.

Eric is a university teacher in China, he traveled to Mount Wutai for Labor Day. At the restaurant, he was presented with two menus. You can order off a menu with lower prices, but when you receive the bill at the end of the meal, they produce a menu with inflated prices.

To avoid this make them write the price on the order form and leave a copy on the table.

They use this trick on both Chinese and foreigners.

John is from the USA, he was returning from a work trip in Thailand and decided to stop in Beijing for a few days and tour the Great Wall before going on to Washington. According to John, “The tour was great, but afterward, the tour guide insisted on taking me to a small pottery plant. There a lady took me on another tour showing how craftsmen made hand-painted copper pottery. She then took me to the showroom to see which item I wanted to buy. I hadn’t planned on buying anything. She applied some gentle but distinct pressure to make a purchase. Wanting to look like a respectable American, I said what the heck and selected a small copper vase. It turned out to be about 5,400 yuan ($800). I later discovered that this was a massive rip-off and was basically designed for Westerners. They would never attempt to charge Chinese or other Asian people this much.”

In this case, you should insist on your position, as a traveler, and not pay for anything you don’t like.

Mr. Smith took a trip with his family to Sanya, where most scams are run by northerners running restaurants. They use strong-arm tactics and threats to harass customers into ordering their food; even the local get cheated by them. When you ask for the cost of a live fish in the tank, they will quote a cutthroat price and immediately kill the fish by throwing it onto the floor. How can you even bargain when the fish is already dead?

The best things to do is to tell them your target price when you ask the seller about the live fish, you could say “Can I have that fish for 10 RMB/kg.” See if they would give you a bargain price. If not just walk away.

“DO NOT believe in those cheap “Beijing one day tours” that cost you less than 150 yuan,” Lily warns. It was a horrifying experience for her. The post said the tour includes “Badaling Great Wall”, but they bring you to “Jiayuguan”, and the “Ming Dynasty Cemetery” instead, and only let you see a glimpse of it through the bus window. Throughout the trip, they kept pushing Lily to buy, buy, buy, and at the end of the trip, all the passengers were pushed to the basement of a shopping center where they sold jam. “A so-called foreigner showed up and told a lot of elaborate stories and tried to get us to buy the jam,” Lily recalled, “When we got back to the bus, the guide had disappeared, and we realized that we’ve been scammed.” Lily suffered a bad traveling experience in China. I mean, that’s a lot of effort just to sell some jam.

Before joining a tour think twice. Does it make sense for a tour to be this cheap? We really can enjoy what we want? To make sure it is safe and affordable, have the tour guide list out the itinerary. If you encounter any activities, not on the list, you can choose not to participate in them.

Last week, Jackeline was stopped by two women who asked if she is American and if they could practice English with her. This took place in the shopping mall next to the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Jackeline had heard of this scam before, but they seemed sincere – they asked if they could have coffee together so they could “practice English.” Jackeline, an ESL instructor, out alone, was suckered in. However, according to Jackeline, “Instead of a coffee house, they headed down a side street near the mall to a Chinese tea house. They ordered tea and wine for the three us. We chatted, but they were more interested in talking about me than about themselves. Finally, it was time to pay. They produced a menu that listed each pot of tea at 750RMB! They passed the bill to me. The total bill was 3000RMB, or 500USD! It was obvious that these unsavory women were in cahoots with the tea house. They kept saying, just use your credit card. I had realized by then it was a scam and threw 300 RMB on the table and ran.” 

In this case, you should call the police! What they did was against the law.

In China, discounts are sometimes announced over loud and shrill megaphones. In Yangshuo’s West Street you can find beautifully-crafted chopsticks in a dedicated chopsticks shop. There seem to be no discounts being offered, but when Chinese customers enquiring about them, they will be offered a 15 percent price reduction while laowai visitors are brushed off rudely with the claim that there is no discount available. In isolated cases, a five percent discount was grudgingly granted.

Go to a professional shopping mall where there are products with firm price tags; everything is sold based on a fixed price.

In Xenia’s case, she told us, “I took a taxi from Nanjing Road to Shanghai South Railway Station. The fare meter was moving faster than its normal pace. I did not ask him about the pace of the fare meter while I was on the cab. After reaching the station, he asked me to pay RMB378 which was much more than the normal fare. When I refused to pay, he was furious and even threatened to punch me. I then called one police officer over and explained the situation to him with my broken Chinese. After half an hour of super-charged drama, the police caught the Taxi driver. The police officer told me that the fare meter was a fake, and the taxi driver did not have a license to drive a taxi in Shanghai. Thanks to the Police officer, the matter was handled safe and sound.”

A great method to solve this case. Go  Xenia !

China is a great country for traveling.  W e have many great cities and destinations, each with its own culture and charm. We try our best to share our experiences with travelers from all over the world – our 5,000 years of culture and development which lead us here today.

There are traps in every city, but this is just small part of living in the city.  Those of us living in China love to welcome foreign visitors to travel or work here. In order for us to progress, we would like to share everyone’s experiences. We need to learn how to protect ourselves when we are in unpleasant situations.  There are always good people around when you are really in need.

Where to find these good local people? 

www.gogomate.net  is here for help!

GoGoMate  is a tour and social platform committed to solving cross-border language barriers and enhancing personalized tourism experiences. Here you can overcome language barriers with ease and easily make friends with travel experts. 

Each friend you meet on GoGoMate will help you solve asymmetric information, bring you various stories and perspectives, ignite your passion for the world, not to mention be helping you to solve the problem of travel traps! Besides, you are also welcome to become a host to practice languages and meet new friends!

Ready to start your next journey? visit  www.gogomate.net  or follow their social media Wechat account @ gogomatetravel  to discover more.

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These Notorious So-called 'Tourist Traps' Are Worth Visiting, According to Travelers

Travelers are speaking out to say these spots aren't half bad.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

Alex Livesey/FIFA via Getty Images

Ah, the traveler’s debacle: To follow the crowd to major, must-see sights knowing they’ll be met with overpriced services, entertainment, food, and souvenirs — or to avoid these sites completely and search out hidden gems void of other tourists. To some, visiting Paris without going up the Eiffel Tower isn’t seeing Paris , while to others, the complete opposite is true. 

It’s a question — or way of traveling — that isn’t always black-and-white. Most of us want to see the major sites — preferably without giant tour groups and overpriced crêpe stands — and stumble upon authentic places that few others will get to experience. So when is it worth following the crowd to a site you really want to see, even though it’s probably a tourist trap?

One user on Reddit , u/MarathonMarathon, posed that question , noting that for them, the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel in Shanghai was a tourist trap they ended up genuinely liking. “It's basically this short 5-minute tourist trap light show tram thing that takes you across the Huangpu River from the Bund to Pudong, with bizarre voice-overs. Sort of like some Disney attraction, but sadder, the very epitome of a kitsch tourist trap.”

The Reddit community responded, sharing the tourist-trap-inclined sites and tours that they genuinely liked and would recommend to others. Below are the “best” responses in order:

Maid of the Mist Boat Tour — Niagara Falls, U.S.

The 20-minute Maid of the Mist boat tour, which claims to be “the original Niagara Falls boat tour” — takes travelers to the foot of Niagara Falls where they can feel the power of 600,000 gallons of water crashing down and enjoy the resulting mist.

“You wait in line forever, the boat is packed, it seems cheesy ... and then you get up to the Falls and feel their power, you realize that the boat has the engine running at full power yet it struggles against the current and you realize that yeah, this is awesome,” said u/twoeightnine.

Original Sound of Music bus tour — Salzburg, Germany

The Original Sound of Music bus tour takes travelers through Salzburg, where "The Sound of Music" movie was filmed. The bus visits Mirabell Garden and Pegasus Fountain, where Maria and the children danced in the movie; Schloss Leopoldskron, the house, where the Trapp Family lived; and Church Mondsee, where Maria and Baron von Trapp got married, along with other sites.

User u/opuntialantana said the four-hour journey included, “Glorious views, drinks, snacks, and a Maria von Trapp lookalike leading us in singalongs as we drove from one filming location to the next. It was cheesy and it was perfect.”

Hobbiton Movie Set Tours — Matamata, New Zealand

At Hobbiton , visitors can walk through the lush pastures of the Shire and through the movie set used in "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" film trilogies. The part-bus, part-walking tour includes visits to the series’ most famous locations, including the Hobbit Hole where Bilbo and Frodo Baggins lived. 

The 2.5-hour tour ends with a visit to the Green Dragon Inn , where a free drink concludes the tour of Middle-earth.

Guinness Storehouse — Dublin

The home of Ireland’s most iconic beer offers daily self-guided tours that include entry to the Guinness tasting rooms and a pint of Guinness. If you’re a true beer or Guinness connoisseur, you can opt for a “ premium experience ,” like a guided tasting with storytelling or a tour through the brewery’s historic sites — including their famous underground tunnels.

“When anyone came to visit [sic] me I always took them there; it never got old! It’s a well-curated museum and of course, the tap room is always fun to go to. Also, all my Irish friends were happy to go with me when I first moved there so it seems to be well-liked among people that live there too,” said u/tcpower2.

Hofbräuhaus München — Munich

Reddit user u/Triple10X said they initially went to Hofbräuhaus München “just to say that we've been there.” But after visiting several smaller German beer halls they felt that Hofbräuhaus was the best. 

The three-floor beer hall has a Bavarian restaurant and ongoing shows that take place in a historic, 16th-century building. According to u/Triple10X, “The food we got was phenomenal, the beer was obviously good and the atmosphere was eclectic with multiple couples around us all talking to each other in different languages.”

Flash Points: The Strangest Tourist Traps

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The Strangest Tourist Traps

From xinjiang to nagorno-karabakh..

In China’s Xinjiang region, fake dinosaurs loom over visitors not far from where authorities have detained ethnic minorities in internment camps. In Shusha, Nagorno-Karabakh, the site of a bloody battle in 2020 now boasts renovated hotels. And in Kashmir, India recently hosted a G-20 summit on tourism, despite ongoing separatist violence in the region.

This edition of Flash Points explores the push to bring tourism to unlikely destinations around the world, as well as the political, economic, and diplomatic factors that drive governments to create—or revive—tourist traps.— Chloe Hadavas

Police officers guard a new laser and water show in the old town of Kashgar, in Xinjiang, China, on June 30, 2017. Kevin Frayer/Getty Images

China Is Turning a Crushed Xinjiang Into a Tourist Trap

After years of human rights abuses, Beijing wants Han visitors in the region, Eva Xiao writes.

A G-20 logo is seen on a boat in Dal Lake ahead of the G-20 meeting in Srinagar, India, on May 19. Tauseef Mustafa/AFP via Getty Images

Modi Wants to Bring Tourists Back to Kashmir

India’s government wants to turn the war-torn region into a renewed tourist hot spot, David Lepeska writes.

Green cladding surrounds the Ghazanchetsots, an Armenian Apostolic cathedral damaged in the war, during construction on the building in Shusha on Sept. 25, 2021. Emre Caylak photo for Foreign Policy

From the Ruins of War, a Tourist Resort Emerges

Shusha was the key to the recent war between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Now Baku wants to turn the fabled fortress town into a resort, Liz Cookman writes.

Cheryl L. Reed, the author, stands on the nuclear bomb test fields in Kazakhstan on Sept. 13, 2022, wearing a hazmat suit as protection against radiation. Cheryl L. Reed for Foreign Policy

Can Kazakhstan Bury Its Nuclear Past?

Forgetting the site where Russia became a nuclear power comes with its own risks, Cheryl L. Reed writes.

A man visiting the Hejaz train station near al-Ula, Saudi Arabia, on Jan. 4, 2019. Fayez Nureldine/AFP/Getty Images

The Other Magic Kingdom

Saudi Arabia is making a very risky bet that it can become an international tourist destination, Adam Baron writes.

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• Plan Your Trip

What Are Tourist Traps

Published: November 19, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Leilah Coakley

• Travel Guide

Introduction

When planning a trip, one of the key considerations is how to make the most of your time and money. However, amidst the excitement of exploring new destinations, it’s important to be aware of the potential pitfalls that can turn your dream vacation into a disappointing experience. This is where the concept of “tourist traps” comes into play.

Tourist traps are typically places or attractions that are specifically designed to attract and take advantage of unsuspecting travelers. These are often characterized by inflated prices, overcrowding, and subpar experiences, all in the name of making a quick profit. While not all tourist attractions fall into this category, it’s important to be aware of the warning signs and learn how to identify and avoid them.

So, why do tourist traps exist? Well, with the rise of global tourism, there is a growing demand for unique and authentic experiences. Unfortunately, not all businesses and individuals are willing to provide these experiences genuinely. Instead, they opt for shortcuts and gimmicks to lure in tourists and extract as much money as possible.

That being said, it’s important to approach the concept of tourist traps with a balanced mindset. Not all attractions that are popular among tourists are necessarily traps. There are many renowned landmarks and attractions that are worth visiting and offer genuine experiences. The key is to be able to differentiate between what’s truly authentic and what’s just a facade.

Definition of Tourist Traps

Tourist traps can be defined as places, businesses, or attractions that specifically target tourists and aim to extract as much money as possible from them without providing genuine value in return. These traps often rely on deceptive marketing tactics, inflated prices, and subpar experiences to maximize profits.

One of the key characteristics of tourist traps is their ability to create a sense of urgency or exclusivity. This can be seen through limited-time offers, “one-time-only” deals, or claims of being a “must-see” attraction. These tactics play on the fear of missing out (FOMO) and often result in tourists hastily parting with their money, only to be left disappointed.

Another common trait of tourist traps is the manipulation of emotions. They are designed to evoke a sense of excitement, wonder, or even guilt in order to prompt travelers to spend more. For example, attractions that feature animal shows or interactions may tug at the heartstrings of animal lovers, leading them to pay exorbitant fees for a brief encounter.

It’s important to note that not all popular tourist attractions are traps. There are many genuine and worthwhile places to visit that attract large crowds of tourists for valid reasons. The distinction lies in the intention behind the attraction. A genuine tourist destination seeks to enhance the visitor experience and provide value, while a tourist trap aims to exploit the visitor’s lack of knowledge or vulnerability.

Tourist traps can manifest in various forms, such as overpriced restaurants in popular tourist areas, tacky souvenir shops, or even entire cities that have built their economy solely around tourism. These traps often prioritize quantity over quality, catering to the masses rather than offering an authentic and memorable experience.

Ultimately, the definition of a tourist trap is subjective and can vary from person to person. What one traveler may consider a trap, another may find enjoyable. It is important for travelers to be aware of the warning signs and make informed decisions when it comes to choosing their activities and spending their money.

Characteristics of Tourist Traps

Tourist traps share a number of common characteristics that distinguish them from authentic and worthwhile attractions. By understanding these characteristics, travelers can better identify and avoid falling into tourist traps.

1. Overpriced: One of the most tell-tale signs of a tourist trap is inflated prices. From overpriced food and drinks to exorbitant entry fees, tourist traps often capitalize on the fact that tourists may be willing to spend more without questioning the value they are receiving.

2. Crowded: Tourist traps tend to attract large crowds of tourists, which can lead to overcrowding. This not only diminishes the experience for visitors but also provides an opportunity for businesses to rush through services and cut corners.

3. Tacky and Generic: Many tourist traps feature generic or clichéd elements that lack authenticity. This can be seen in souvenir shops selling mass-produced knick-knacks, restaurants offering generic menus catered to international tastes, or attractions that rely heavily on gimmicks rather than genuine cultural or historical significance.

4. Aggressive Marketing: Tourist traps often employ aggressive marketing tactics to target unsuspecting travelers. This can include pushy street vendors, constant advertising, or misleading information that creates a sense of urgency or exclusivity.

5. Lack of Local Presence: Authentic and worthwhile attractions often have a strong connection to the local culture and community. In contrast, tourist traps may lack any genuine local presence, as they are primarily geared towards extracting money from tourists rather than benefiting the local economy.

6. Limited or Poor Reviews: Researching customer reviews and ratings can provide valuable insights into whether an attraction is a tourist trap. Negative reviews highlighting high prices, unfulfilled promises, or a lack of authenticity are warning signs to look out for.

7. Unforeseen Extra Charges: Tourist traps often use hidden fees or additional charges to increase their profits. These can take the form of mandatory service charges, unexpected taxes, or supplementary fees for essential amenities.

Recognizing these characteristics can help travelers make informed decisions and avoid falling into tourist traps. By seeking out authentic experiences that prioritize quality, uniqueness, and genuine cultural immersion, travelers can ensure a more enjoyable and fulfilling journey.

Common Tourist Traps Around the World

Tourist traps exist in various forms and destinations around the world. While it’s important to note that not all popular attractions are traps, there are some well-known spots that have gained a reputation for taking advantage of unsuspecting tourists. Here are a few common tourist traps to be aware of:

1. Times Square, New York City: While undoubtedly iconic, Times Square is notorious for its high prices and overcrowding. Visitors often find themselves bombarded with aggressive street vendors and inflated prices for food and souvenirs.

2. The Grand Bazaar, Istanbul: Considered one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, the Grand Bazaar can be overwhelming for tourists due to its maze-like layout and persistent salespeople. Bargaining is essential to avoid overpaying for items.

3. The Eiffel Tower, Paris: As one of the most visited landmarks in the world, the Eiffel Tower attracts large crowds year-round. Tourists should be cautious of unauthorized sellers or scammers offering “skip-the-line” tickets at inflated prices.

4. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Thailand: While the idea of a floating market sounds charming, the reality of Damnoen Saduak is often overcrowded with tourists and vendors selling overpriced souvenirs. For a more authentic experience, exploring smaller, lesser-known floating markets is recommended.

5. Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco: This popular tourist area is filled with souvenir shops, overpriced seafood restaurants, and gimmicky attractions. Visitors are advised to explore other neighborhoods in San Francisco for a more genuine local experience.

6. Pisa’s Leaning Tower, Italy: The Leaning Tower of Pisa is undoubtedly an iconic landmark, but it has also become synonymous with tourist traps. Overpriced restaurants, street vendors, and tacky souvenir shops surround the area, detracting from the historical significance of the tower.

7. Kuta Beach, Bali: Kuta Beach is a popular tourist spot known for its vibrant nightlife and beachfront resorts. However, it has also become a tourist trap with inflated prices, aggressive touts, and overcrowded beaches. Exploring other areas of Bali can provide a more authentic and peaceful experience.

While these examples highlight some well-known tourist traps, it’s important to remember that there are countless other destinations where tourist traps can be found. Doing thorough research, reading reviews, and seeking advice from locals or experienced travelers can help avoid falling into these traps and ensure a more enjoyable and authentic travel experience.

Impact of Tourist Traps on Local Culture and Economy

While tourism can bring many benefits to a destination, the presence of tourist traps can have negative impacts on both the local culture and economy. Understanding these impacts is crucial in order to foster sustainable and responsible travel practices.

One of the main concerns regarding tourist traps is the erosion of local culture. When tourist traps prioritize catering to the masses and meeting international expectations, they often neglect genuine cultural experiences. This can lead to the commodification and dilution of local traditions, as businesses prioritize profit over preserving and showcasing authentic cultural heritage.

Moreover, the over-commercialization of a destination due to tourist traps can lead to the displacement of local businesses. As large chains and international brands move in to cater to the tourist demand, local entrepreneurs and vendors are often pushed out. This not only diminishes the economic opportunities for locals but also contributes to the homogenization of the destination’s offerings, reducing its uniqueness and charm.

Furthermore, the presence of tourist traps can create a dependency on tourism as the sole source of income for a community or region. When the economy becomes overly reliant on tourism, it can be vulnerable to fluctuations and downturns in the industry. This can result in economic instability and lack of diversification, making the local community more susceptible to the negative impacts of crises such as natural disasters or global events.

Another consequence of tourist traps is the widening wealth gap between those who directly benefit from tourism and those who do not. In many cases, the profits generated by tourist traps do not trickle down to the local community, as they are often siphoned off by large corporations or outside investors. This inequality can lead to social tensions and resentment among local residents.

Moreover, the overcrowding caused by tourist traps can have negative environmental impacts. Ecologically sensitive areas can become degraded due to the influx of visitors, leading to pollution, habitat destruction, and strain on local resources such as water and energy.

To mitigate these negative impacts, it is important for tourists to be conscious of their choices and support local businesses and initiatives that promote sustainability and cultural preservation. Engaging in responsible tourism practices, such as staying in locally-owned accommodations, dining at local establishments, and participating in community-based tourism initiatives, can help ensure that the benefits of tourism are more evenly distributed and contribute to the long-term well-being of the destination and its inhabitants.

Tips to Avoid Falling into Tourist Traps

While it can be challenging to navigate the tourism landscape and identify tourist traps, there are several tips that can help travelers avoid falling into their traps and have a more authentic and fulfilling travel experience:

1. Do Your Research: Before visiting a destination, conduct thorough research about popular attractions and tourist areas. Read reviews, check forums, and consult travel blogs to get insights from other travelers about their experiences. Look for recommendations from locals or experienced travelers to find hidden gems off the beaten path.

2. Seek Local Advice: Locals are often the best source of information when it comes to avoiding tourist traps. Strike up conversations with locals, ask for recommendations, and seek their advice on where to go and what to avoid. They can provide valuable insights into authentic cultural experiences and steer you away from touristy areas.

3. Be Wary of Aggressive Marketing: Tourist traps often employ aggressive marketing tactics to lure in unsuspecting visitors. Be cautious of street vendors who are overly pushy, shops with flashy signs and exaggerated claims, or tour operators offering unrealistic deals. Take your time and make informed decisions rather than succumbing to high-pressure sales tactics.

4. Follow the Locals: Look for where the locals go. If you see a crowded restaurant or bustling market full of locals, chances are it’s an authentic spot worth exploring. Ask locals for recommendations on where to eat, drink, and shop, as they will guide you towards genuine local experiences.

5. Compare Prices: Tourist traps often overcharge for products and services. Compare prices at different establishments and ask locals for price estimates to ensure you’re not being ripped off. Avoid establishments that don’t display clear pricing or try to negotiate prices aggressively.

6. Avoid Tourist Hotspots during Peak Hours: Popular tourist attractions are often most crowded during peak hours. If possible, visit these attractions early in the morning or later in the day to avoid the crowds. This will allow you to have a more enjoyable experience without feeling overwhelmed.

7. Embrace Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences: Consider exploring lesser-known areas or pursuing alternative activities that are off the typical tourist radar. This can provide a more authentic and unique experience while minimizing the chances of falling into tourist traps.

8. Use Local Transportation: Instead of relying solely on tourist transport options, use local modes of transportation like buses, trains, or trams. This not only provides a more authentic experience but also helps support the local economy.

By following these tips, travelers can avoid falling into tourist traps and instead discover the authentic essence of a destination. Remember, the goal is to embrace cultural immersion, interact with the locals, and create meaningful memories that go beyond the clichés of mass tourism.

Tourist traps can pose a challenge for travelers seeking genuine and memorable experiences. It’s important to approach travel with a critical mindset, doing research, seeking local advice, and being aware of the warning signs that indicate a tourist trap. By avoiding these traps, travelers can support local businesses, preserve local culture, and have a more authentic travel experience.

While not all popular tourist attractions are traps, it’s essential to be mindful of inflated prices, generic experiences, aggressive marketing tactics, and overcrowding. By seeking out off-the-beaten-path destinations, engaging with the local community, and supporting sustainable tourism practices, travelers can make a positive impact and contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage.

Remember, the true beauty of travel lies in exploring different cultures, connecting with people, and discovering hidden gems that offer a glimpse into the heart and soul of a destination. By avoiding tourist traps and seeking out authenticity, travelers can create cherished memories and contribute to sustainable and responsible tourism.

So, the next time you plan your trip, take the time to research, consult locals, and be discerning in your choices. By doing so, you can uncover the true essence of a place, support local communities, and make your journey a truly enriching and memorable experience.

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Tourist Trap: 37 held captive in China mattress shop for window shopping, salespeople stand guard

A group of 37 tourists in China found themselves held captive in a mattress shop in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan province because they refused to purchase any products

In a shocking incident that has reignited concerns over forced shopping experiences for tourists in China, a group of 37 holidaymakers found themselves held captive in a mattress shop in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan province.

The tourists, hailing from Liaoning province in northeastern China, had embarked on a journey to the southwestern region of the country, expecting a leisurely holiday experience.

However, their trip took an unexpected turn when they refused to purchase bedding products, triggering a confrontation with shop staff that lasted for several hours, reported South China Morning Post (SCMP) .

The ordeal, which unfolded on March 26, came to light through a viral video captured by one of the trapped tourists.

In the footage, members of the group can be seen sitting and lying on the shop’s beds while salespeople stand guard, preventing their departure.

“This is the shop that sells latex mattresses in Xishuangbanna. We arrived at noon and we’re still here,” SCMP quoted the tourist who filmed the clip. “The group of 37 tourists is not allowed to leave,” she added

Local authorities launch investigation

Following widespread outrage on social media platforms, local authorities launched an investigation into the incident.

According to SCMP , the shop responsible for the detention was identified as Taisi Dika Sleep Technology Company, and it was revealed that the tour group was organised by the Liaoning Youde International Travel Service, with assistance from Faxian Zhilv travel agency.

Consequently, Taisi Dika was ordered to halt its operations, and the tour guide was fined 10,000 yuan (approximately 1,18,000 INR) for his role in the incident. Investigations into the travel agencies involved are ongoing.

This incident has sparked a wave of public condemnation, with many questioning the legality and ethics of such practices.

“It sounds so horrible,” SCMP quoted one online observer. “Is this an illegal detention?” another asked.

Yunnan becoming hotbed for similar incidents

Previous incidents of tourists being coerced into shopping during tours in Yunnan have been reported, indicating a systemic issue.

In February, a similar incident occurred where a family of five was ejected from a tour bus after refusing to purchase a gold bracelet at the exorbitant price of 50,000 yuan (approximately 6,00,000 INR).

Another incident, captured on video, surfaced in August last year, where a tour guide in southwestern China can be seen “threatening” tourists and bullying them into shopping on an eco-tour, reported SCMP .

What is ‘forced shopping’?

Forced shopping, also known as “tourist trap” or “shopping coercion,” refers to a practice where tourists are pressured or manipulated into making purchases they did not intend or want to make.   

In some cases, tour agencies have to lower the price to attract customers. Then they compensate their economic loss by forcing tourists to shop.

Some common tactics used in forced shopping include detaining tourists, misrepresentation, high-pressure sales tactics, exorbitant pricing and group pressure.

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