🚩 Local Scams · Zhengzhou
Last verified 26 Jul 2025
1 Scam Spotlight Table
"Shaolin VIP Day-Tour"
Zhengzhou East HSR exit • Erqi Square travel kiosks
How it works: Tout sells ¥300-¥500 "all-inclusive" bus tour; makes two jade / medicine stops, skips actual kung-fu show, returns late.
🛡️ Avoid: Book in the "少林预约" mini-program or Zhengzhou Bus Tour Center (official counters only).
Fake Taxi / Flat-Fare Van
ZHIA airport Terminal 2 curb • East HSR night rank
How it works: Unlicensed car quotes "¥200 downtown," runs meter-free or shares ride with strangers.
🛡️ Avoid: Take official queue: plates start 豫A-T; insist on meter + e-receipt.
"Free Erqi Tower Photo"
Under Erqi Memorial Tower
How it works: "Photog" offers Polaroid picture, then demands ¥80 "processing fee."
🛡️ Avoid: Selfie stick works; professional shot should be ≤ ¥20 with printed menu.
Yellow-River "Express Ticket"
Zhengzhou Coach Station
How it works: Seller claims cable-car sold out and hawks old QR that fails at gate.
🛡️ Avoid: Buy in "黄河游览区" mini-program or on-site kiosk only.
"Shaolin Monk Donation"
Erqi Square underpass
How it works: Man in robe pushes bracelet into hand, asks for ¥200 "temple alms."
🛡️ Avoid: Real monks don't solicit cash on streets; hand item back, walk on.
Henan Opera "Costume Shoot"
Henan Opera Museum
How it works: Costume stall offers "free try-on," then bills ¥30/min photo rent and prints unwanted 5×7s at ¥50 each.
🛡️ Avoid: Agree on full price quán jià (全价) before dressing.
QR-Code Phishing
Metro Lines 1 & 5 stations
How it works: Sticker on vending machine promises "¥1 mineral water," opens fake WeChat Pay page.
🛡️ Avoid: Scan codes printed on machine body; verify pay URL.
2 Why It Matters
Zhengzhou is the gateway to Shaolin Temple and the Yellow-River parks; scammers target day-trippers rushing to catch tours or taxis. Many cons hinge on fake QRs and meter-less rides—easy to avoid when you know the tells.
3 Pro Tips
1
Official mini-programs only—Shaolin, Yellow-River, and city taxis (Zhengzhou Taxi App) all have verified apps; street QRs = red flag.
2
Meter basics—legit cabs flag-drop ¥10 + ¥1.9/km; anything higher or "flat fare" is bogus.
3
Ask quán-jià ma? (全价吗)—locks costume stalls or tuk-tuks into an all-in price.
4
Carry small notes—¥10–¥20 bills limit loss if QR fails or price inflates.
5
Emergency lines—Police 110 • Henan tourist hotline 12301—save both before roaming.
✨ Stay Smart, Stay Safe
Stay sharp and keep Zhengzhou about noodles, kung-fu and Yellow-River sunsets—No Tourist Traps. No BS.