Traveling in China can be exciting, but tourists must stay vigilant to avoid falling into common travel scams such as fake qualifications, false advertisements, extremely low prices, hidden fees, compulsory shopping, and misleading photos. Here are 6 common tricks by fraudulent tour operators and tips to protect yourself:

1.Fake Qualifications and Illegal Subcontracting

Some agencies claim to be branches of well-known operators but are merely affiliated. Their lack of experience can ruin your travel experience.
Tip: Verify agency credentials and choose reputable operators.

2.False Ads and “Helpful” Hawkers

Beware of street touts near train stations or tourist spots offering cheap tours or free tickets. These are often scams.
Tip: Ignore unsolicited offers and never trust strangers promising freebies.

3.Ultra-Low Price Trap

Tours sold at unusually low prices often hide extra costs like forced shopping or reduced service quality.
Tip: Choose tours with fair pricing and transparent itineraries.

4.Hidden Fees and Unexpected Charges

Vague contracts may include on-the-spot charges or mandatory activities.
Tip: Always review inclusions, exclusions, and optional items before booking.

5.Compulsory Shopping Stops

Some guides cut sightseeing time to force purchases of low-quality souvenirs at inflated prices.
Tip: Confirm shopping arrangements in advance and refuse forced purchases.

6.Bait-and-Switch Photos

Over-edited images of hotels, restaurants, or vehicles can be misleading.
Tip: Check real traveler reviews and photos to confirm actual standards.