Other Tourist Scams in Beijing

Fake Monk Donation Scam

Individuals dressed as Buddhist monks approach tourists near major temples and tourist corridors, presenting a string of prayer beads as a gift before demanding a cash donation. Once the beads are placed in your hand, they create strong social pressure — sometimes grabbing your arm — until you pay. Legitimate monks in Beijing do not solicit donations from strangers on the street, and this scam is entirely performed by non-religious actors.