Hangzhou 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.
Street Vendors Selling “Longjing Tea”
Medium RiskHow the Scam Works
Vendors along the shores of West Lake and on the streets of Longjing Village hawk “authentic Longjing tea,” but the prices are inflated and the tea is often counterfeit, sourced from other regions.
How to Avoid
Purchase tea at the China Tea Museum, from legitimate tea farmers in Longjing Village, or at large tea markets.
Real Advice
Genuine West Lake Longjing has limited production and is not cheap. “Longjing” sold on the street for a few dozen yuan per can is almost certainly counterfeit. You can sample tea for free at tea farmers’ homes.
Private boats on West Lake
Low RiskHow the Scam Works
People along the shores of West Lake solicit customers for private tour boats, which are expensive and lack safety guarantees.
How to Avoid
Purchase tickets only at official ferry terminals, or take the 5-yuan public ferry.
Real Advice
The West Lake public ferry shuttles between various attractions for just 5 yuan—it’s both affordable and safe.
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.