This is a new way to scam tourists in China. As we know China is an exotic place to visit for business or pleasure, and like any other place where people can do wherever it takes to make easy money.
Recently a friend of mine visited Beijing. He met a friendly Chinese girl who invited him to a tea house, (tea houses are like bars where they serve only tea). The people started to serve what he believed were some “tea samples” but in reality these people were serving the most expensive teas (in china some teas are as expensive as gold). When they ask for the bill he was charged almost a thousand dollars.
He of course got very angry but at he had to pay most of the amount.
So here is the catch:
They use “friendly” Chinese people, or cute Chinese girls, to take you directly to the tea houses. Of course these people are paid to mislead you.
Who their prey are:
Friendly, laid back tourists
People looking for a date with a Chinese person
Christian missionaries
People trying to learn or practice the Chinese language
Recommendations:
YOU should decide where to go (rather than letting someone lead you to an unknown place)
Avoid tea houses as much as possible
Say “I’m very busy” or( “Wo hen mang”)
For more info read Salesmen’s tricks and techniques.
