Beijing is generally very safe, but tourist scams exist everywhere. Being aware of common tricks is the best defense. This guide covers the most frequent scams targeting foreign visitors and how to avoid them.
The Tea Ceremony Scam
A friendly local invites you to a traditional tea ceremony. After enjoying tea, you receive an extremely inflated bill (500-2000+ RMB). This is common near tourist areas like Wangfujing and the Forbidden City. Politely decline any unsolicited invitations from strangers near tourist sites.
Fake Great Wall Tour
Touts sell 'cheap' Great Wall tours that turn out to be shopping stops or visit the wrong section. Only book through your hotel or reputable companies. Check reviews on TripAdvisor. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Official tours cost 200-500 RMB for a full day.
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Taxi Overcharging
Some taxis refuse to use the meter and quote inflated prices. Insist on the meter. Better yet, use Didi (the Chinese Uber) which shows prices upfront. Avoid taxis waiting at major tourist sites who often overcharge. Use ride-hailing apps for transparent pricing.
Art Student Scam
Someone approaches you saying they are an art student with an exhibition nearby. They ask you to visit their 'gallery' where art is overpriced. This is a common scam near the 798 Art District and tourist areas. Ignore and walk away.
Fake Police/Friend Scam
Someone claims to be a police officer and asks for your passport and wallet for 'inspection'. Real police officers work in pairs and wear uniforms. Another variant is the 'helpful local' who insists on taking you to a 'better' restaurant or shop. Trust official sources only.
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