A group of 23 Singaporean tourists allege they were briefly detained in a Chengdu, China, souvenir shop after declining too meet their tour guide’s sales expectations, highlighting ongoing concerns about coercive shopping tactics targeting international visitors [[1]]. The November incident, detailed by Singaporean media personality Shawn Tok, underscores a pattern of pressuring tourists into purchasing goods – ranging from jade to herbal remedies – as part of commission-driven tour arrangements. Following complaints from the group and intervention by Chinese authorities, a full refund was issued, but the case has reignited scrutiny of budget tour practices and prompted increased enforcement against such schemes [[2]].
Chengdu –
Tourists in Chengdu, China, were allegedly held inside a souvenir shop by their tour guide after refusing to make purchases, sparking a wider debate about coercive shopping practices targeting visitors. The incident, which occurred in November 2025, highlights a growing concern over aggressive sales tactics linked to budget tour packages in the country.
Shawn Tok, winner of the 2007 Campus SuperStar competition, detailed the experience on Instagram Stories, explaining that the group was pressured to buy items ranging from jade stones and silver accessories to combs and herbal remedies.
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According to Tok, the tour guide became increasingly insistent on sales, and when the group refused, they were confined within the store. The guide reportedly explained that they were obligated to meet sales targets at partner stores, as commission, bonuses, and potential penalties were tied to achieving those goals.
The group stated they had already spent approximately 105,000 yuan (roughly $246 USD) during the tour, but the guide claimed this amount was insufficient. Tok reviewed the tour contract and found no clause requiring tourists to purchase goods or meet any sales quota. He also asserted that, under local law, detaining tourists in a store to force purchases is illegal.
As a result, Tok and the other tourists filed a complaint with Chinese authorities, alleging fraudulent practices and providing transaction records and receipts as evidence.
Chinese authorities responded to the complaint and intervened in the situation. The tour agency subsequently issued a full refund to all participants. The incident quickly gained traction on social media, with users warning travelers to exercise caution when booking inexpensive tours and to carefully vet tour operators.
“It’s best to either travel independently or book with a reputable agency,” one social media user advised, as reported by Vietnam Express on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
The case has prompted increased enforcement by China against coercive shopping practices, which often lure customers with low tour prices before pressuring them to buy goods at designated stores. This practice has been a long-standing issue for foreign tourists visiting the country.
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