Scam in ChinaShopping
Student or artist exhibition invitations in China
How it works
Someone posing as a student or artist invites you to an exhibition. Once there, you face pressure to buy expensive items.
Warning signs
- A casual conversation turns into an invitation to an exhibition.
- The person is very persistent about taking you there.
- You are made to feel obliged to buy something.
How to avoid it
- Decline exhibitions suggested by strangers who approach you.
- Visit places you have chosen yourself.
- Leave if a visit turns into a pressured sales pitch.
If it happens to you
Decline further purchases and leave when safe. Keep receipts and written claims if you have already paid. Report suspected fraud to police or consumer protection.
- Move somewhere safe. Avoid threats, physical arguments or chasing a thief.
- Stop further payments. Freeze stolen cards and secure affected payment or phone accounts.
- Save evidence: receipts, messages, payment records, vehicle details and the place and time. Collect evidence only when safe.
- Report the scam or theft to police on 110. For a suspicious phone call, use 96110 for scam enquiries.
- Ask your hotel for help explaining the problem. Contact your card issuer about disputed payments and your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen or you are detained.
- Ask for a police report or reference number. Keep copies for your bank, insurer and any follow-up complaint.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/travelchina2025Constantly being stopped by scammers in BeijingA visitor reports strangers near Wangfujing using flattering conversation to steer them toward local art galleries.Read on Reddit
- Government adviceTravel advice and advisories for ChinaCanada warns visitors about unsolicited English-practice requests and invitations to art galleries, teahouses or unfamiliar locations associated with scams.Read on Government advice
- Redditr/shanghai2023Can anyone explain Tea Scam to me in detail? Thank youCommenters describe supposed art students inviting foreigners to studios where overpriced paintings are sold through pressure or intimidation.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the student or artist exhibition invitations scam in China?
Someone posing as a student or artist invites you to an exhibition. Once there, you face pressure to buy expensive items.
How can I spot it early?
A casual conversation turns into an invitation to an exhibition. The person is very persistent about taking you there. You are made to feel obliged to buy something.
How do I avoid student or artist exhibition invitations in China?
Decline exhibitions suggested by strangers who approach you. Visit places you have chosen yourself. Leave if a visit turns into a pressured sales pitch.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Decline further purchases and leave when safe. Keep receipts and written claims if you have already paid. Report suspected fraud to police or consumer protection.
Where in China does this happen?
Tourist-heavy areas of Beijing. It has been reported in Beijing.
How common is this scam in China?
Common. China is generally safe for visitors, and violent street crime is rare. Tourist scams and theft still happen, especially around busy sights, transport hubs and crowds. Watch for taxi overcharging, invitations that lead to expensive purchases, fake goods and pickpockets.
Are there similar scams in China?
Yes: fake antiques, fake branded goods and copied media.
Who can I report it to?
Public security police: call 110 to report a scam or theft. Give your location, what happened and any evidence. Ask hotel staff for language help if needed. Scam enquiry service: call 96110 to enquire about suspicious phone calls. Police may also use this number with an area-code prefix to warn about possible scams. Consumer Protection: call 12315 about a consumer dispute, such as a misleading sale or disputed business charge. Keep the receipt and details of the business. Anti-corruption reporting service: call 12388 to report a bribe demand. Hotel doorman or front desk: ask for help if a taxi seriously overcharges you on the way to your hotel. Show the receipt, driver's ID or number plate details. Card issuer or payment provider: use its official app or verified contact number to freeze a stolen card, report an unauthorised payment or ask about disputing a charge. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help after passport theft or detention. If detained, politely request consular access and a translator.
What number do I call in an emergency in China?
Police; report scams and theft: 110, Ambulance / EMS: 120, Fire Department: 119, Traffic Police; merged with 110 in some cities: 122, Scam enquiry: 96110.
Reviewed by @snuck