And you enjoyed the art too?! That’s a great story, Linda.

Thanks for your kind words, much appreciated. It’s actually not the money so much as the feeling of stupidity that goes with it that stung for a bit. But it still doesn’t stop me loving China like a crazy person…

Well, it’s only in Beijing and Shanghai tourist bits that it’s really exhausting…

I’d agree with you, Gray, that scammers do rely on politeness, and, generally, good nature (not to mention one’s less good-natured side as well: one of the things I think tea scammers do is flatter you). It’s certainly not specific to China. I think it happens all over the world. But in the tourist areas of Beijing and Shanghai if you’re not Chinese you are visibly a tourist, therefore a mark.

I think we travelled in the opposite direction to most people, Steph. In that we started in an untouristy place, so only got hit with the scams towards the end of our stay. And I’m 100% with you that the vast majority of Chinese people are incredibly kind, friendly and helpful.

Just demanding 500 yuan? That seems very unChinese… I think you got lucky with the art scam, though.

I think, MaryAnne, as we discussed, that it’s a combination of a) me going to more tourist areas (Forbidden City, Summer Palace, etc.) than you and b) me being more used to harmless strangers talking to us, because I’m travelling with Z. The tea house thing was just stupid of me, though. I think I felt guilty for having turned down a legitimate invitation to dinner and felt I should somehow make it up…

Well, travelling with a small boy around his birthday time means you do buy a lot of plastic goods…Or more than most might, anyway. At least he didn’t buy the “iPhone”…