China is safe from violent crime, but tourist scams are real — especially around airports, stations, and major sights.
The greatest hits
- The tea house scam: Friendly "students" practice English, invite you to a tea ceremony — then a ¥2,000 bill arrives. Politely decline any such invitation
- The art student scam: "My exhibition is closing today!" — overpriced prints, same idea, same answer
- Taxi tricks: Refusing the meter, scenic detours, claiming your ¥100 note is fake and swapping it. Use Didi to skip all of this
- Fake monks: Selling "blessed" bracelets near temples — real monks never beg from tourists
- Station porters: Unofficial helpers grab your bag then demand ¥100. Official porters wear uniforms and badges
If you're being scammed right now
- Say no firmly and walk away — they target politeness
- Never hand over your passport as "deposit"
- Threaten to call 110 (police) — scammers disappear fast
Money safety
- Count change; check ¥100 notes for the watermark
- At ATMs, cover the keypad; use machines inside bank branches at night
- QR-code swap scam: a sticker over the merchant's code redirects your payment. Check the merchant name on the payment confirmation screen before confirming
Golden rule: Anyone who approaches you speaking perfect English in a tourist area wants something. Real connections happen, but they rarely start with a stranger's invitation.