Notice from the Lushan West Sea Scenic Area Bureau of Culture, Tourism and Commerce on Soliciting Clues Regarding Illegal and Violative Practices in the Tourism Industry, Such as Guide Misconduct and Forced Consumption

2026-03-25

In order to thoroughly implement the directives issued by the state, provincial, municipal, and scenic-area authorities on the concentrated rectification of misconduct and corruption affecting the public, to further advance the special campaign targeting irregularities among tour guides and forced consumption in the tourism industry, to comprehensively enhance the quality of tourism services, and to continuously foster a safe, orderly, civilized, and high-quality tourism environment, the Culture, Tourism, and Commerce Bureau of the Lushan Xihai Scenic Area is now soliciting from all sectors of society and the general public leads on illegal and unlawful activities related to tour-guide misconduct and forced consumption in the tourism industry. The relevant matters are hereby announced as follows:

I. Scope of Solicitation

1. The issue of “black tour guides.” Illegal and unlawful acts include engaging in tour guiding activities without obtaining a tour guide certificate, or by forging, misappropriating, or leasing a tour guide certificate; as well as tour guides independently accepting tour guiding assignments or otherwise directly undertaking such work without being assigned by a travel agency.

2. The issue of “unreasonably low-priced tours.” Illegal and unlawful conduct involving the organization of tourism activities at unreasonably low prices, with the intent of obtaining improper benefits through practices such as arranging shopping excursions or charging extra for optional tour services.

3. Issues of unlawful practice. When organizing tour activities, tour guides shall not arrange for tourists to visit or participate in illegal and unlawful activities such as pornography, gambling, or drug-related offenses that violate national laws and regulations and social ethics; nor shall they make statements that undermine national interests or ethnic dignity, adopt a hostile attitude toward tourists, or even resort to verbal abuse against them.

4. Issues of false advertising. Travel agencies or tour guides exaggerate the content and quality of tourism services in their advertising, in order to “ Shopping tour ”“ Senior Group ”“ Insurance Group ” Illegally and unlawfully engaging in false promises regarding the form of tourism services to mislead tourists into signing up for tour packages.

5. The issue of “using purchases to support tourism.” Tour operators hire tour guides without paying or underpaying their labor compensation, and tacitly permit or even encourage such guides to induce or coerce tourists into making purchases or participating in optional paid activities, thereby obtaining improper kickbacks from retail outlets and scenic attractions to sustain their operations.

6. Issues of multi-tiered subcontracting and operations beyond the authorized scope. Unauthorized transfer of pre-organized tour groups to other travel agencies without the tourists’ consent; unauthorized or disguised operation of outbound tourism services by travel agencies that have not obtained the requisite license for such activities; and travel agencies accepting tourism business organized online by unlicensed enterprises or individuals.

7. Issues related to the improper execution of tourism contracts. The travel agency has failed to strictly comply with the provisions of the Regulations on Travel Agencies by failing to enter into a tourism contract with tourists that clearly sets out the statutory requirements, or by including in the contract unfair clauses that exempt the agency from liability or impose undue burdens on consumers.

8. Issues related to “black societies” and unlicensed, illegal business operations. Travel agencies that have obtained the requisite license but fail to conduct business in practice; those that transfer, lease, or lend their business licenses; those that have not paid the full amount of the tourism service quality deposit as required by law; and those whose business address does not match their registered address. Additionally, organizations or individuals that have not obtained a Travel Agency Business Operation License but, under the guise of clubs, WeChat groups, study-travel agencies, outdoor clubs, or similar entities, engage in travel agency operations without authorization.

9. The issue of “forced shopping.” Tour guides and tour leaders, during the course of the tour, employ abusive and threatening behavior, refuse to provide room keys, require tourists to wait outside the vehicle, use verbal persuasion, or restrict personal freedom in order to coerce—or effectively coerce—tourists into making purchases or participating in separately charged activities; furthermore, travel agencies unilaterally designate specific shopping venues or arrange for separately charged activities without the prior mutual agreement of both parties.

10. Issues of misconduct, disciplinary violations, and illegal conduct by public officials. All public officials in the region have engaged in disciplinary and regulatory violations, including unauthorized participation in tourism operations and tourism solicitation.

II. Methods for Filing Complaints and Reports

We welcome active contributions of leads and information from all sectors of society. Our bureau will thoroughly investigate each lead submitted by the public, and any evidence of violations of laws or regulations will be promptly referred to the relevant authorities for strict enforcement in accordance with the law. We will also proactively disclose to the public information on high-profile cases and progress in remediation efforts.

1. Government Services Convenience Hotline: 0792-12345

2. Reporting Email: lsxhwltj@163.com

3. Mailing address for complaint letters: Office Building of the Lushan Xihai Management Committee 405 , Please indicate in your letter “ Reporting Clues about Tourism Irregularities ”。

III. Precautions

1. The whistleblower shall truthfully report the issue and provide the name of the entity being reported. / Provide key information such as the individual’s name, the time and location of the unlawful or non-compliant conduct, and a detailed account of the incident, and, where possible, attach relevant supporting evidence, including contracts, receipts, audio recordings, video recordings, photographs, and chat logs.

2. We encourage reporting under one’s real name to facilitate verification of leads and feedback on case handling by our staff. Our bureau will strictly safeguard the confidentiality of whistleblowers and protect their lawful rights and interests in accordance with the law.

3. It is strictly prohibited to fabricate or distort facts, or to make false accusations or maliciously frame others. Anyone who engages in malicious or false reporting shall be held legally accountable in accordance with the law.

4. This call for leads is open from the date of announcement until 2026 year 12 month 31 During the special rectification campaign, we will continue to accept reports of all types of tourism-related violations and illegal activities. Please refrain from submitting duplicate reports.

We warmly welcome tourists, cultural and tourism professionals, and all sectors of society to actively participate in the oversight of the tourism market, working together to create a high-quality tourism environment, promote the high-quality development of the Lushan Xihai tourism industry, and forge a new model of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. 5A Tourist attraction.

Hereby announced.

Lushan West Sea Scenic Area Culture, Tourism and Commerce Bureau

2026 year 3 month 23 day