Question 1

What is the "Tea House Scam" scam in Beijing?

Accepted Answer

Near Tiananmen Square and Wangfujing, friendly English-speaking students approach tourists claiming to want to practice English. They invite tourists for tea, and the bill arrives for hundreds or thousands of dollars. Intimidating staff prevent leaving without payment. Politely decline invitations from strangers near tourist areas who want to practice English or show you around. This is the most reported tourist scam in Beijing. Walk away from persistent strangers.

Question 2

What is the "Tea Ceremony Friendship Trap" scam in Beijing?

Accepted Answer

Friendly locals posing as university students practising English approach tourists near Wangfujing or Tiananmen and invite them to a traditional tea ceremony nearby. The experience ends with an exorbitant bill of several hundred USD for tea sampled, and some visitors report being blocked from leaving until they pay. Be extremely wary of strangers who approach you in tourist areas and invite you to a venue. If curious about tea culture, research a reputable tea house independently, walk there yourself, and confirm all prices before consuming anything.

Restaurant Scams in Beijing

Tea House Scam

Tea Ceremony Friendship Trap

Experienced a scam here?