Chunxi Road is one of the busiest and most popular streets in Chengdu, filled with shops, restaurants, and bustling crowds. But for anyone unfamiliar with the area, it’s also home to a variety of scams and street tricks that can catch you off guard. As someone who has lived in Chengdu for over a decade, I’ve personally encountered and witnessed many of these scams. In this guide, I’ll share some common pitfalls to avoid, so you don’t fall victim to them during your visit to Chunxi Road.
1. The “Buddha Card” Conman
One of the most persistent scams I’ve come across is from an elderly man dressed like a monk. He often loiters around the Chunxi Road area and approaches pedestrians, claiming that they have good fortune and are spiritually connected to Buddha. Last month, while having lunch with a colleague, this man stopped me on the street, saying that I had a “lucky face” and was destined for good things. He insisted on giving me a free Buddha card but requested a “donation” in return—usually 8.8 RMB or more. When I refused and questioned him about his intentions, he abruptly snatched the card back and walked away. Always be cautious when someone approaches you with unsolicited offers or claims of spiritual connections.
2. The “Free Haircut” Scam
Another scam that caught me off guard in high school was from a self-proclaimed designer hairstylist offering a “free” haircut. The deal seemed too good to pass up, but once inside, he immediately wet my hair and started cutting without any consultation. He boasted that he’d worked on celebrities like Xie Na and claimed that only lucky people like me could get a haircut from him. When it was time to pay, the bill came to 380 RMB—far more than the “free” price I’d been promised. It was a hard lesson in trusting too easily. If someone offers a free service, always be wary and clarify any costs upfront.
3. Escape Room Traps
Chunxi Road is also home to many escape room businesses, some of which use aggressive tactics to lure in unsuspecting tourists. Many of these businesses are outdated, and the prices are often inflated. I’ve noticed female employees attempting to pull men off the street to join their escape room games, often without fully disclosing the costs or the quality of the experience. If you’re interested in trying out an escape room, do some research and compare prices before entering.
4. The “Lost Wallet” Trick
This scam involves a person suddenly approaching you, claiming they’ve lost their wallet or phone and asking for money to get home or buy a charger. The scammer might appear desperate or overwhelmed, trying to tug at your heartstrings. Another variation is someone pretending to be hungry and asking for money to buy food, showing a phone and claiming they need 80 RMB. I recently encountered an elderly man who claimed he needed money for a bus ride to Mianyang, but when I asked why he couldn’t take the metro instead (which only costs a few RMB), he quickly walked away. If someone’s story seems fishy or overly dramatic, trust your instincts and walk away.
5. The “Begging Couple” on the Bridge
A classic scam on Chunxi Road involves an elderly couple who appear to be begging on the street. The husband plays a wind instrument, while the wife pretends to be blind and stands nearby. They often set up shop near prominent shopping malls like Raffles City or the Global Center. I used to give them money as a teenager, but later I discovered they’re part of a larger scam. The instrument the man plays is actually an automatic recording, and the elderly woman, who pretends to be blind, can often be seen riding an electric tricycle once the “performance” is over. Always be skeptical of street beggars and look for signs that they may not be as genuine as they seem.
6. The “Cheap Perfume” Sellers
One of the more common scams involves people walking around with bags of counterfeit perfumes, claiming to sell high-end brands like Bvlgari or Dolce & Gabbana at ridiculously low prices. On two separate occasions, my colleague and I were approached by individuals who suddenly got very close and showed us bottles of what they claimed were “duty-free” perfumes. They promised great deals—like a 30 RMB Bvlgari or a 50 RMB Dolce & Gabbana. Of course, these were fake, and you should never purchase perfume or any other goods from people who approach you on the street. It’s best to buy from reputable stores only.
7. “Lucky Charms” and Spiritual Goods
Finally, another common scam involves people selling “lucky charms” or spiritual goods on Chunxi Road. They often approach tourists with these items, claiming that they have special powers or connections to the divine. These products are typically overpriced and are of little value. While not always malicious, these vendors prey on people’s desire for good fortune or a memorable souvenir. Be cautious when purchasing any item that seems to have an unusual or exaggerated backstory.