Tour & Activity Scams in Hangzhou, China
Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping. Below are the tour & activities scams reported in Hangzhou — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Kyoto, Beijing, and Shanghai.
Last updated: April 4, 2026
1
Tour & Activities Scams
8
Total in Hangzhou
How it works
West Lake boat tours are popular and officially managed, but unofficial operators approach tourists along the lakeside and offer private boat rides at prices comparable to or slightly above official rates, delivering a shorter or lower-quality experience. Some unofficial boats lack life jackets or safety equipment and are not licensed for passenger transport.
See all scams in Hangzhou
8 total warnings across all categories