Tourist Trap: 37 held captive in China mattress shop for window shopping, salespeople stand guard

In a shocking incident that has reignited concerns over forced shopping experiences for tourists in China, a group of 37 holidaymakers found themselves held captive in a mattress shop in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan province.

The tourists, hailing from Liaoning province in northeastern China, had embarked on a journey to the southwestern region of the country, expecting a leisurely holiday experience.

However, their trip took an unexpected turn when they refused to purchase bedding products, triggering a confrontation with shop staff that lasted for several hours, reported South China Morning Post (SCMP).

The ordeal, which unfolded on March 26, came to light through a viral video captured by one of the trapped tourists.

In the footage, members of the group can be seen sitting and lying on the shop’s beds while salespeople stand guard, preventing their departure.

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“This is the shop that sells latex mattresses in Xishuangbanna. We arrived at noon and we’re still here,” SCMP quoted the tourist who filmed the clip. “The group of 37 tourists is not allowed to leave,” she added

Local authorities launch investigation

Following widespread outrage on social media platforms, local authorities launched an investigation into the incident.

According to SCMP, the shop responsible for the detention was identified as Taisi Dika Sleep Technology Company, and it was revealed that the tour group was organised by the Liaoning Youde International Travel Service, with assistance from Faxian Zhilv travel agency.

Consequently, Taisi Dika was ordered to halt its operations, and the tour guide was fined 10,000 yuan (approximately 1,18,000 INR) for his role in the incident. Investigations into the travel agencies involved are ongoing.

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This incident has sparked a wave of public condemnation, with many questioning the legality and ethics of such practices.

“It sounds so horrible,” SCMP quoted one online observer. “Is this an illegal detention?” another asked.

Yunnan becoming hotbed for similar incidents

Previous incidents of tourists being coerced into shopping during tours in Yunnan have been reported, indicating a systemic issue.

In February, a similar incident occurred where a family of five was ejected from a tour bus after refusing to purchase a gold bracelet at the exorbitant price of 50,000 yuan (approximately 6,00,000 INR).

Another incident, captured on video, surfaced in August last year, where a tour guide in southwestern China can be seen “threatening” tourists and bullying them into shopping on an eco-tour, reported SCMP.

What is ‘forced shopping’?

Forced shopping, also known as “tourist trap” or “shopping coercion,” refers to a practice where tourists are pressured or manipulated into making purchases they did not intend or want to make.  

In some cases, tour agencies have to lower the price to attract customers. Then they compensate their economic loss by forcing tourists to shop.

Some common tactics used in forced shopping include detaining tourists, misrepresentation, high-pressure sales tactics, exorbitant pricing and group pressure.