🚩 Local Scams · Chongqing
Last verified 30 Jun 2025
1 Scam Spotlight Table
Cableway "VIP Ticket" Touts
Queues outside Yangtze River Cableway, Nan An side
How it works: Street hawkers sell QR codes that fail at the turnstile; "extra-fast lane" doesn't exist.
🛡️ Avoid: Buy only through the official "长江索道" mini-program.
Hongya "Photo Deck" Rip-off
Hongya Cave, Bayi Road steps
How it works: Vendor charges ¥60-¥100 to "escort" you to a secret viewpoint…which is actually a public staircase.
🛡️ Avoid: Follow public signage; views on the 9-F food court are free.
Fake Hot-Pot Guides
Jiefangbei & Nanbin Road
How it works: Friendly "host" leads you to a commission restaurant; bill padded with "premium oil" & "health broth" fees.
🛡️ Avoid: Pick hot-pot spots from the Dianping Must-Eat list; refuse street invitations.
Electronic Knock-offs
Underground malls at Chaotianmen
How it works: Brand-name earbuds or power-banks swapped for fakes after you pay.
🛡️ Avoid: Open the box and test the item before handing over cash.
Taxi "Mountain Detour"
Chongqing Jiangbei Airport
How it works: Driver claims lower-level roads closed, then loops via upper bridge tiers to triple the fare.
🛡️ Avoid: Use DiDi or demand meter + e-receipt; photograph plate and driver ID.
Stilt-House Teahouse Bill
Hongya Cave 5-F balconies
How it works: Teahouse menu omits service charge; final bill adds performer "tips" and seat fees.
🛡️ Avoid: Confirm all-in price before you sit; pay only listed items.
Opera "Ticket Swap"
Shufeng Yashe Theatre gate
How it works: Tout offers discount Sichuan-opera ticket; QR scans but seat is for a cheaper section.
🛡️ Avoid: Buy at official box or in-app seat map; check row/seat printed.
QR-Code Phishing
CRT station exits
How it works: Random QR flyers promise ride coupons—fake page drains your wallet.
🛡️ Avoid: Scan codes only from merchant menus or official accounts; verify URL.
2 Why It Matters
Visitor volume pressure – Chongqing's massive tourist numbers create opportunities for scammers to blend into crowds and target overwhelmed visitors.
Multilevel city confusion – Chongqing's unique vertical layout with bridges, tunnels and elevators creates disorientation that scammers exploit with fake shortcuts and detours.
E-ticket systems – The city's QR-code tickets and payment systems create phishing opportunities that tourists unfamiliar with Chinese apps may fall for.
3 Pro Tips
1
Stick to official mini-programs – for cableway, opera and scenic tickets—street deals aren't cheaper, just riskier.
2
Know your meter – Legit city taxis start at ¥9; any other opening fare is a red flag.
3
Carry small cash – ¥10–¥20 bills limit damage if a vendor claims "QR offline."
4
Ask for quánjià (全价) – Say you want the "all-in price" before ordering tea, hot-pot extras or photo services.
5
Emergency numbers – Police 110; Chongqing tourism hotline 12301—store them in your phone.
✨ Stay Smart, Stay Safe
Stay savvy and enjoy Chongqing's vertigo views, lava-hot pots and neon nights—No Tourist Traps. No BS.