These are the tourist scams Trzly has documented across China, grouped by destination. Each one is real, with a clear way to stay safe. Read before you land.
Hoe het werkt: Friendly English-speaking 'students' or 'tourists' invite you to a traditional tea ceremony nearby, then you are presented with an enormous bill for the tea and cannot easily leave.
Hoe het te vermijden: Politely decline invitations from strangers to a specific tea house, bar or gallery. Choose your own venues and never follow a new acquaintance to a place they insist on.
Hoe het werkt: People posing as art students befriend you near the sights and steer you to a 'student exhibition', pressuring you to buy overpriced paintings as a favour.
Hoe het te vermijden: Be wary of strangers who quickly guide you to a shop or gallery. There is no obligation to buy, so decline firmly and walk away if you feel pressured.
Hoe het werkt: Touts at the airport or major stations offer an unofficial 'taxi' at a flat rate, then charge far above the metered fare or demand more on arrival.
Hoe het te vermijden: Use only the official taxi rank with the meter, the Airport Express, or a ride-hailing app. Never accept a ride from someone approaching you inside the terminal.
Hoe het werkt: Cheap street or hostel-touted 'Great Wall tours' can include long detours to jade or medicine shops for commission, or drop you at a lesser section than promised.
Hoe het te vermijden: Book a reputable tour or go independently by public transport. Confirm exactly which wall section, what is included, and that there are no shopping stops before paying.