Street Scams in Xian, China
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street scams scams reported in Xian — 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 2, 2026
3
Street Scams Scams
10
Total in Xian
How it works
Food vendors in the Muslim Quarter sell nut cakes, candied fruits, and snacks priced "per piece" but charge by gram once the item is sliced. Tourists have paid over 500 RMB for what they thought was a small item. The vendor cuts a much larger portion than expected.
How it works
The busy underground tunnels and evening night market in the Muslim Quarter are hotspots for pickpocket teams. The dense crowds and narrow alleyways make it easy for thieves to work unnoticed.
How it works
Young people posing as art students approach tourists near the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and on the Ancient City Wall, claiming to be exhibiting graduation artwork at a nearby gallery and inviting visitors to a free showing. Once inside, visitors are subjected to high-pressure sales tactics to purchase low-quality prints and paintings at grossly inflated prices. Refusing to buy can result in guilt-tripping, door-blocking, or demands that guests pay an "entrance fee" not mentioned earlier.
See all scams in Xian
10 total warnings across all categories