Street Scams in Shanghai, China
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street scams scams reported in Shanghai — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Kyoto, Beijing, and Taipei.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
6
Street Scams Scams
11
Total in Shanghai
How it works
Young people claiming to be art students at a nearby university approach tourists on the Bund or near Yu Garden, inviting them to a gallery showing. Visitors are pressured to buy overpriced, mass-produced prints as "original art."
How it works
Near Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and People's Square, well-dressed strangers invite tourists to a nearby shop or private room to sample premium baijiu liquor, framing it as a cultural exchange or business opportunity. After the tasting, visitors are pressured to purchase multiple bottles at vastly inflated prices and told the liquor holds investment value. Attempting to leave without buying can result in aggressive confrontation.
How it works
Touts near the Bund or in shopping districts whisper offers to take tourists to underground markets selling counterfeit luxury goods — handbags, watches, clothing. Beyond the legal risk of buying counterfeits, tourists are often overcharged significantly, and some venues have been reported to use pressure tactics to prevent leaving without purchasing.
How it works
Tourists near People's Square are invited by friendly strangers to a cultural event or student auction of traditional Chinese calligraphy and paintings. The event turns out to be a high-pressure sales environment where participants feel obligated to bid or buy at inflated prices.
How it works
Custom tailor shops on Nanjing Road or near tourist hotels show tourists high-quality fabric samples and agree on a price, then use significantly cheaper fabric when making the garment. The substitution is only noticed after the item is collected and the tourist is often about to leave Shanghai.
How it works
Shops immediately surrounding Yu Garden charge several times the going rate for traditional souvenirs, tea, and snacks compared to shops just a few streets away. Prices are rarely displayed and vendors quote inflated rates to tourists who do not ask.
See all scams in Shanghai
11 total warnings across all categories