Question 1

What is the "Tea Ceremony Invitation Scam" scam in Guilin?

Accepted Answer

Friendly locals near Zhengyang Pedestrian Street approach tourists and invite them to a traditional tea ceremony, framing it as a cultural exchange. After participating, visitors are presented with an inflated bill often 200 to 600 RMB per person with pressure tactics if they refuse. The hosts may claim the teas were rare or specially imported. This pattern mirrors scams operating in Beijing and Shanghai and has been reported throughout Guilin tourist corridors. Decline unsolicited invitations from strangers offering cultural experiences. If you genuinely want a tea tasting, book through your hotel or a licensed tea house on Zhengyang Street with posted prices. Never enter a private room without knowing the price list upfront.

Question 2

What is the "Village Restaurant Overcharging on Cruise Stops" scam in Guilin?

Accepted Answer

The Li River cruise makes stops at villages between Guilin and Yangshuo where passengers disembark for lunch. Restaurants at these village stops charge prices far above Guilin city rates, present menus without prices or with prices in fine print, and add charges for items visitors assumed were included. Some village stops are effectively captive markets where passengers have no alternative eating options. Ask to see the full menu with prices before sitting down at any village stop restaurant. Confirm explicitly what is and is not included in any "set lunch" offered through your cruise package. If prices are not clearly displayed, ask for a written quotation before ordering.

Restaurant Scams in Guilin

Tea Ceremony Invitation Scam

Village Restaurant Overcharging on Cruise Stops

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