I was out for a stroll around Tian'anmen Square on my first afternoon back in Beijing, when I was approached by a couple of young Chinese, a teacher and one of his students. They were visiting Beijing for a week from (I forget where) and were interested in chatting with a foreigner. I was shortly heading to the Temple of Heaven and so were they, so they suggested we wander over together. Strolling through Qian Men Street (a walking boulevard popular with tourists) they spotted a tea shop and suggested we stop for a drink:
There was a scrolling marquee sign that advertised tea, coffee and:
There were steps leading downstairs and it looked kind of seedy, so I politely declined. I've talked to a few others that have fallen for this trap though (and I read about it before my trip) - the scam is that they convince you to try several "special" Chinese teas, and when the bill arrives you find that you owe several thousand RMB or more (a few hundred dollars). "What? We had no idea," your hosts exclaim. A beefy Chinese guy with a purse (that may contain a gun?) will help you pay, or escort you to an ATM. So if you are approached by young Chinese students or pretty young ladies anxious to practice their English, be careful about where you go for a tea.
Yesterday I wandered around the Temple of Heaven and then Wangfujing Street (another popular shopping area) and was approached with tea invitations four times!
"We love Canadians here in China!"
"Yes I know, pretty much every one of you has invited me out for tea."
"Would you like to come with us for a tea?"
"No thanks."
"Why not?"
"Its getting kind of expensive, all these special teas!"
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