‘Need to see shopping bags’: China tour guide threatens sightseers to shop or ‘make bus break down’ highlights sharp practice across industry

An overbearing tour guide in China is under investigation after a video emerged of him “threatening” sightseers into shopping during a visit to one of the country’s most famous eco-tourism hot spots. Photo: SCMP composite/163.com

A video showing incidents of forced shopping imposed by a tour guide in China has caused outrage on mainland social media.

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On July 26, a clip was posted online which appears to show a guide in southwestern China’s Sichuan province coercing tourists to “donate” money by shopping.

The male guide even resorts to verbal threats to control their behaviour, according to a report by the Guancha Syndicate.

The location in which the video is shot, Aba autonomous prefecture, is renowned for its exceptional eco-tourism.

The area boasts the picturesque Jiuzhaigou Valley, a Unesco World Heritage site, and with its sparkling lakes, spectacular waterfalls and colourful leaves, attracts tourists from across China.