China to crack down on tour operators over forced shopping practices

By Hoang Vu July 10, 2025 | 03:31 am PT

People visit a market at the tourism site of Qianmen street, in Beijing, China, March 14, 2023. Photo by Reuters

Chinese authorities have launched a year-long campaign to tighten enforcement against forced shopping practices, in which tourists are pressured to buy goods at designated stores in exchange for commissions or rebates.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Wednesday also released a list of 12 companies and three individuals accused of violating tourism regulations. Offenses included operating without licenses, coercing tourists into shopping, and organizing low-cost tours with hidden fees, China Daily reported.

The ministry said it will continue updating the list as part of efforts to deter dishonest operators.

"The practice of forced shopping has severely infringed upon tourists' rights, and stronger government action is required," said Yu Changguo, deputy director of market management at the ministry, during a news conference in Beijing.

Authorities plan to crack down on tour operators who attract travelers with unusually cheap tour packages, only to pressure them into shopping at designated stores.

In one case reported in February, a tour guide allegedly forced a group of 25 tourists to buy overpriced silver products and threatened to remove them from the bus when they refused to make purchases, China Press reported.

Similar incidents were reported last year, where tourists were intimidated and pressured into buying overpriced items during package tours in China.