🚩 Local Scams · Yangzhou
Last verified 26 Jul 2025
1 Scam Spotlight Table
"Slender West Lake Fast-Lane"
Parking lots & tour-bus exit outside Slender West Lake North Gate
How it works: Tout sells a paper "priority pass" for ¥120 that turns out to be the regular ¥90 ticket with an ink stamp.
🛡️ Avoid: Buy only in the "瘦西湖官方预约" mini-program or the on-site kiosks; there is no fast lane.
Fried-Rice Price Trap
Dongguan Street canal cafés, 2nd-floor balcony seats
How it works: Tea-house quotes ¥38 for "authentic Yangzhou fried rice", then adds "plate fee", "service tea" and "scenic-view surcharge" → bill ≥ ¥120.
🛡️ Avoid: Confirm quán jià (全价—final price) before ordering; menu must list each charge by law.
Rickshaw Over-Loop
East Guangling Rd, Geyuan Garden exit
How it works: Driver offers old-town loop for ¥15, then claims you "misheard units" and wants ¥150 at drop-off.
🛡️ Avoid: Use official QR-meter pedicabs (blue licence) or walk—most lanes are <1 km.
"Lacquer Comb" Souvenir Swap
Hehuachi night market stalls
How it works: Vendor shows hand-polished buffalo-horn comb, boxes a plastic replica while chatting.
🛡️ Avoid: Inspect item after it's boxed; reputable shops seal box with hologram sticker.
Massage Package Upsell
Slender West Lake spa belt
How it works: Foot-bath advertises ¥68, masseur claims "knots very severe" and pushes ¥398 herb soak + cupping "mandatory" to finish.
🛡️ Avoid: Pay at counter first for the exact package; refuse mid-session add-ons.
Tea-Tasting "Free Demo"
Dongguan Street tea boutiques
How it works: Friendly staff pours free sip, then says you bought a ¥600 "premium tin" once you compliment the flavour.
🛡️ Avoid: Ask to see printed price list before tasting; legit shops display QR-code price boards.
QR-Code Phishing
Slender West Lake causeway
How it works: Random QR on park bench promises "half-price boat ticket"; opens fake WeChat Pay page and drains wallet.
🛡️ Avoid: Scan only codes on official signs; verify URL starts with payapp.*.
2 Why It Matters
Canal-front leisure vibe – Yangzhou's relaxed atmosphere and brand-new cash-free infrastructure tempt scammers to exploit QR trust and the city's famed tea-house culture.
High-footfall snack lanes – Small over-charges add up fast, especially around Slender West Lake and Dongguan's busy food streets where tourists linger.
Tea-house culture exploitation – Scammers leverage Yangzhou's famous tea tradition and tourists' eagerness to experience authentic local culture—stay alert to keep your yuan for real Yangzhou fried rice, not fake "premium" teas.
3 Pro Tips
1
Official mini-programs only – Slender West Lake, Geyuan Garden and boat tickets all have verified apps; street QRs are red flags.
2
Standard cab rates – start ¥10 for 2 km; rickshaw loops should be ¥10–¥20—confirm price in writing.
3
Ask quán jià ma? (全价吗) – at tea-houses and foot spas to lock an all-inclusive price.
4
Carry small bills – ¥10–¥20 notes limit loss if QR readers "break" and vendors ask cash.
5
Emergency lines – Police 110 · Jiangsu tourist hotline 12301—save both numbers before wandering night markets.
✨ Stay Smart, Stay Safe
Stay alert and let Yangzhou be about lake-view poetry, spring-scallion fried rice and lotus-scented baths—No Tourist Traps. No BS.