Beijing Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls
Real Advice to Help You Avoid Common Travel Pitfalls and Have a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
Why This Page Is Important
China is very safe for tourists—violent crimes against foreigners are extremely rare. What you really need to watch out for are overpricing, tourist scams, and unnecessary hassles. Understanding these common scams and pitfalls can help you save money, time, and stress.
Tea House Scams
High RiskScam Tactics
A stranger strikes up a conversation and invites you to a “traditional tea ceremony”; when it’s time to pay, the bill ranges from 500 to 3,000 yuan.
How to Avoid
Politey decline all invitations from strangers. No exceptions.
Honest Advice
In 2026, Chinese people won’t casually treat strangers to tea on the street.
Fake art student scam
High RiskScam Tactics
"Art students" invite visitors to an "art exhibition," but it’s actually a high-priced, forced sale of low-quality paintings.
How to Avoid
Decline all invitations to street “art exhibitions.”
Honest Advice
Genuine works of art aren’t hawked on the street.
Taxi Meter Scams
Medium RiskScam Tactics
Unlicensed taxis or unofficial cabs may have tampered meters.
How to Avoid
When you book a ride through the Didi app, the fare is displayed in advance.
Honest Advice
Didi has eliminated all taxi scams—prices are transparent, and you can track your route.
Fake Great Wall day trip
High RiskScam Tactics
Around Tiananmen Square, vendors hawk “cheap Great Wall tours,” which often lead to the “Wild Great Wall” or shopping spots.
How to Avoid
Only take official direct shuttles such as Busda or Mu Bus.
Honest Advice
Hire a private car to Mutianyu for 600–800 yuan round-trip; splitting the cost among a few friends is cheaper and more flexible than joining a “group tour.”
Receiving counterfeit bills as change
Low riskScam Tactics
Some street vendors and taxi drivers slip counterfeit bills into your change.
How to Avoid
Pay with Alipay or WeChat Pay—zero risk of counterfeit bills.
Honest Advice
Mobile payments = zero risk of counterfeit bills. Cash = potential counterfeit bills.
China Is Very Safe
Despite the warnings listed above, please remember: China has one of the lowest rates of violent crime in the world, and crimes targeting foreigners are extremely rare. The reminders listed above primarily concern being overcharged and inconveniences—not danger. Use basic common sense, trust your instincts, and you’re sure to have a wonderful and safe trip.