Guangzhou Mistakes & Scams Guide
Honest advice to help you dodge the common traps and travel safely.
Why This Page Matters
China is very safe for visitors — violent crime against foreigners is extremely rare. What to watch for is overcharging, tourist traps, and unnecessary hassle. Knowing these scams can help you save money, time, and stress.
Expensive Tickets for Pearl River Night Cruises
Medium RiskHow the Scam Works
Tickets for luxury Pearl River night cruises cost over 200 yuan, but they offer the same river views as the 68-yuan standard boats. Salespeople at the pier will exaggerate the “luxury experience.”
How to Avoid
Choose the standard boat at Tianzi Pier for 68 yuan, or take the Haizhu tram for 2 yuan to enjoy the night view.
Real Advice
The “luxury boats” on the Pearl River night cruise simply offer a buffet (which is just average). Take the 2-yuan tram and take a stroll through Huacheng Square to watch the Guangzhou Tower light show—it’s a better experience and practically free.
Electronics scams at Gangding Computer City
High RiskHow the Scam Works
“Cheap” electronics sold to tourists at Gangding Computer City in Tianhe—refurbished devices passed off as brand-new, low-spec models passed off as high-spec, and knockoffs passed off as genuine products.
How to Avoid
If you’re not an expert, don’t buy electronics at the computer market. Go to JD.com or official brand stores instead.
Real Advice
Gangding Computer City is a minefield. Foreign tourists should buy electronics at brand stores in Grandview Mall or Taikoo Hui—they’re a bit more expensive but come with guarantees.
The “Time-Honored Brands” Trap on Shangxiajiu Street
Low RiskHow the Scam Works
Most of the “century-old” shops on Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street are no longer the original establishments—they’re heavily commercialized, with inflated prices and mediocre food.
How to Avoid
The truly authentic local cuisine can be found on Xihua Road, Tongfu Road, and Baoye Road. Shangxiajiu is best for strolling and taking photos.
Real Advice
Locals in Guangzhou stopped eating at Shangxiajiu long ago. If you want authentic Guangzhou flavors, head to Xihua Road—a single street where you can sample Michelin-recommended dishes.
Unlicensed taxis at the airport/train station
Medium RiskHow the Scam Works
At the arrival halls of Baiyun Airport and Guangzhou South Railway Station, unlicensed taxi drivers solicit passengers; they don’t use the meter and arbitrarily inflate fares.
How to Avoid
Use Didi to hail a ride, or wait in line at the official taxi stands. The Guangzhou Metro serves both the airport and the train station, making it a more convenient option.
Real Advice
Guangzhou Metro Line 3 goes directly to Baiyun Airport, and Line 2 goes to Guangzhou South Station—it’s both fast and cheap, so there’s really no need to take a taxi.
China Is Very Safe
Despite the warnings above, remember: China has some of the lowest violent-crime rates in the world, and crime against foreigners is extremely rare. What's listed is mostly about overcharging and inconvenience — not danger. Use basic common sense, trust your instincts, and you'll have a wonderful, safe trip.