crimes and safety

Crimes against foreigners were almost unheard of just a few years ago, but these days visitors should take care. It particularly pays to be alert when going out after dark. Touts work the streets in the areas foreigners frequent and will invite male visitors to go to a “lady bar” or karaoke, citing cheap prices. The bars are invariably rip-offs—sometimes visits result in outrageous charges—and should be avoided. Stick to established bars and clubs in the hotels and to those promoted in the expat magazines (see our Reading section).

A large number of young people hang around tourist sites such as the Forbidden City and Wangfujing and present themselves as students. While some just want to practise their English, others are there to cheat foreigners. Talk with them if you like, but decline offers to visit art galleries or teashops, where you may be intimidated into expensive purchases.