In November, 23 international tourists traveling in Chengdu, China, were allegedly coerced by their tour guide into buying goods and then confined inside a shop when they refused. The incident came to light after Shawn Tok — who won the 2007 Campus SuperStarcontest — shared details via a series of Instagram Stories, as reported by Asia One.
Tok explained that he joined a nine‑day tour group of 24 people. According to local media outlet 8Days, the visitors were compelled to purchase items such as jade, silver products, combs, and traditional herbal remedies. The guide allegedly kept the group inside the store until a personal sales target was reached.
Although the tourists spent around 105,000 yuan (approximately US$14,850), the guide reportedly claimed the amount was still not enough. He is said to have prevented passengers from resting on the coach, made them endure constant sales presentations, and even threatened to cancel the remainder of the itinerary if they did not comply with shopping demands.
Upon reviewing their tour agreement, Tok discovered there was no provision requiring compulsory purchases. He also pointed out that, under Chinese regulations, any shopping stops not specified in the contract are unlawful. To support their claims of being trapped in a forced‑shopping scheme, the group submitted purchase records and receipts to the police.
Following intervention by Chinese authorities, the travel company apparently refunded the entire tour cost.
The case has triggered widespread discussion online, with many social media users cautioning others to avoid “bargain tours” and untrustworthy operators. Suggestions included either arranging independent travel or booking through well‑established agencies. Some commenters condemned the guide’s conduct; one netizen remarked, “Certain tour guides behave like unreasonable beggars.”
China has intensified crackdowns on forced‑shopping tactics, which typically attract customers with low‑price packages only to pressure them into spending at specific stores.
