How to Plan a Zhangjiajie Tour from Beijing, Shanghai, or Guilin

1. Transportation Options: How to Get to Zhangjiajie from Beijing, Shanghai, or Guilin
Zhangjiajie is a bucket-list destination, but getting there requires smart planning. Below is a detailed comparison of flight, train, and road options—including travel times, costs, and insider tips for the smoothest journey. 

A. Flying to Zhangjiajie (Fastest but Limited Routes)
Direct Flights
Available from:
Beijing (PEK) - Zhangjiajie (DYG) – ~2.5h (China Southern, Air China)
Shanghai (PVG/SHA) - Zhangjiajie (DYG) – ~2h (Juneyao Airlines, Spring Airlines)

Key Notes:
Limited daily flights (often 1-2 per day).
Prices spike during holidays (book 2-3 months early).

Connecting Flights (From Guilin/Other Cities)
Best Route: Guilin (KWL) - Changsha (CSX) - Zhangjiajie (DYG)
Total Time: ~5h (including layover).
Airlines: Hunan Airlines, China Southern.
Pro Tip: If flying into Changsha, consider taking the high-speed train to Zhangjiajie (see Section B)—it’s often faster than waiting for a connecting flight.

Airport to Scenic Area Transport
Taxi: ~30 min to Wulingyuan (80-100 RMB).
Airport Shuttle Bus: ~1h to downtown (20 RMB).
Hotel Pickup: Many resorts offer free transfers (confirm when booking).

B. High-Speed Train + Bus/Taxi (Best Balance of Speed & Cost)
From Beijing/Shanghai - Changsha South Station - Zhangjiajie
Step 1: Take a bullet train to Changsha South Station (~5h from Beijing, ~4.5h from Shanghai).
Step 2: Transfer to a direct bus (4h, 120 RMB) or rent a car (3.5h, ~500 RMB).
Alternative: Train from Changsha - Zhangjiajie West Station (3.5h, 150 RMB).

From Guilin - Huaihua South - Zhangjiajie West
Step 1: Take a bullet train to Huaihua South (~2h).
Step 2: Transfer to a train to Zhangjiajie West (2h, 60 RMB).

Why This Route?
Avoids backtracking to Changsha.
Scenic mountain views along the way.

Train Station to Scenic Area
Taxi: ~40 min to Wulingyuan (100-120 RMB).
Public Bus: Line 4 to downtown (5 RMB, then transfer).

C. Road Trip (For Adventurous Travelers)
From Beijing/Shanghai - Zhangjiajie
Route:
Beijing: G4Beijing-hong Kong-Macao Expressway - G55Erguang Expressway (~16h drive).
Shanghai: G60Shanghai-kunming Expressway - G5513Changzhang Expressway (~14h drive).

Pit Stops:
Wuhan (halfway point, good for overnight rest).
Changsha (try local Hunan cuisine).

From Guilin - Zhangjiajie (Via Fenghuang Ancient Town)
Route: G65Baomao Expressway - G56Hangrui Expressway (~6h drive).
Why Detour to Fenghuang?
One of China’s most beautiful ancient towns.
Break up the drive with a 1-night stay.

Parking & Fuel Tips
Parking:
Wulingyuan Lot: 50 RMB/day (secure but fills fast).
Hotel Parking: Many offer free spots for guests.
Gas Stations:
Full up before entering mountain roads (few stations near the park).
Final Tip: If short on time, fly into Zhangjiajie. For budget flexibility, take the train. For ultimate freedom, drive—but prepare for long hauls! 

2. Itinerary Planning: Best Zhangjiajie Trip Lengths from Beijing/Shanghai/Guilin
Depending on your available time, Zhangjiajie can be explored in 3 days (fast-paced), 5 days (classic), or 7+ days (in-depth + side trips). Below are detailed itineraries for each option, including must-see attractions, transport tips, and time-saving hacks.

Option 1: Short & Fast (3 Days / 2 Nights) – Best for Weekend Getaways
Perfect for: Business travelers, quick weekend trips, or those who prefer fast-paced sightseeing.
Best Transport: Fly direct (Beijing/Shanghai - Zhangjiajie) or overnight train (Guilin - Zhangjiajie).

Day 1: Tianmen Mountain (Iconic Landmark)
Morning:
Take the world’s longest cable car (7,455m) up Tianmen Mountain.
Walk the Glass Skywalk and see the "Heaven’s Gate" cave.

Afternoon:
Explore Tianmen Temple and 99-Bend Road.
Return to Wulingyuan area for hotel check-in.

Day 2: Avatar Mountains (Yuanjiajie Scenic Area)
Sunrise (6 AM): Enter Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (avoid crowds).
Must-see spots:
  Avatar Hallelujah Mountain (the real-life "floating peaks").
  First Bridge Under Heaven (natural stone bridge).
  Bailong Elevator (world’s tallest outdoor lift).
Evening: Stroll Xibu Street (night market + bars).

Day 3: Quick Visit to Grand Canyon Glass Bridge
Morning: Visit the 430m-long glass bridge (thrilling photo ops).
Afternoon: Return flight/train.
Limitations: Misses Golden Whip Stream and Tianzi Mountain.

Option 2: Classic Trip (5 Days / 4 Nights) – Best for First-Timers
Perfect for: Most tourists who want a balanced experience.
Best Transport: High-speed train (Beijing/Shanghai ? Changsha ? Zhangjiajie) or flight + bus (Guilin ? Zhangjiajie).

Day 1-2: Tianmen Mountain + Wulingyuan Core
             Same as 3-day itinerary, but with more hiking time.
Day 3: Tianzi Mountain + Golden Whip Stream
          Tianzi Mountain: See the "Imperial Brush" peaks and cloud seas.
          Golden Whip Stream: Easy 2-hour hike (best for nature photography)
Day 4: Grand Canyon + Glass Bridge
           Walk the glass bridge, then explore the canyon’s waterfalls.
Day 5: Fenghuang Ancient Town (Optional Add-On)
3-hour drive to this 1,300-year-old riverside town.
Must-do: Night views of stilt houses + lantern-lit bridges.
Advantage: Covers all major sights without rushing.

Option 3: In-Depth Exploration (7+ Days) – Best for Photographers & Nature Lovers
Perfect for: Those who want hidden gems + side trips.
Best Transport: Self-drive (flexibility) or private guide.

Days 1-4: Same as 5-day itinerary, but with:
        More sunrise/sunset photography sessions.
        Extra hikes in Yangjiajie (less crowded peaks).
Day 5: Furong Ancient Town
        "Hanging Waterfall Village" (a UNESCO site).
        Famous for: Cliffside stilt houses + waterfall.
Day 6: Mengdong River Rafting
        3-hour thrilling rafting through karst gorges.
        Best in summer (May-Oct).
Day 7: Return via Changsha (Optional)
        Stop for Hunan cuisine (spicy crayfish, stinky tofu).
Bonus: Add Fanjingshan Mountain (4h away) for Buddhist temples on cliffs.

Key Tips for All Itineraries
Avoid holidays (Oct 1-7 = extreme crowds).
Book tickets early (especially Tianmen Mountain cable car).
Pack layers (mountains are 10°C colder than cities).

3. Budget Control Tips: How to Save Money on Your Zhangjiajie Trip
Zhangjiajie can be an affordable destination if you plan wisely. This section breaks down transportation, ticket, and accommodation costs to help you maximize your budget.

A. Transportation Cost Comparison
Plane    vs.   High-Speed Rail   vs.  Self-Drive
Option                      From Beijing               From Shanghai                 From Guilin                        Pros & Cons
Flight                  ¥800-1500 (2.5 hrs)       ¥600-1200 (2.5 hrs)         ¥400-800 (1.5 hrs)             Fastest/Airport transfers cost extra
High-Speed Rail   ¥550 (7-8 hrs)                 ¥500 (8-9 hrs)                  ¥200 (3.5 hrs)                  Scenic views/Longer travel time
Self-Drive          ¥1200+ (16 hrs + tolls)     ¥1500+ (18 hrs + tolls)    ¥500+ (6 hrs + tolls)           Flexibility/Fatigue & parking fees

Peak Season Price Surge (May-Oct, Chinese Holidays)
Flights +30-50%
Train tickets sell out fast (book 30 days ahead)
Car rentals +20%

Off-Season Discounts (Nov-Apr)
Flights from Beijing as low as ¥500
Hotels 50% cheaper

B. Ticket Savings Guide
4-Day Pass vs. Single-Day Tickets
Ticket Type      Price (Adult)                Best For
4-Day Pass          ¥228            Deep exploration, photographers
1-Day Ticket        ¥165            Quick visits, tight schedules

Smart Choice:
If staying =2 days, the 4-day pass is cheaper (single-day tickets add up).
Single-day tickets only cover one entrance (exiting = repay).

Discount Eligibility
Students (with valid ID): 50% off (¥114 for 4-day pass)
Seniors (65+) : Free entry (must show passport)
Children (<1.2m) : Free

Must-Know:
Discounts only apply at ticket windows (not online).
ID must match the ticket name (no transfers).

C. Accommodation Cost-Saving Strategies
Homestay & Shared Transport Hacks
1.Hostel Dorms: ¥50-100/bed (e.g., Zhangjiajie International Youth Hostel)
2.Private Homestays: ¥150-300 (book on Airbnb/Tujia)
3.Group Carpooling:
Split private car hire (¥300/day for 4 people = ¥75 each).
Ask hostels for shared shuttle info. 

Budget Tip:
Staying downtown + early shuttle saves ¥200+/night vs. scenic-area hotels.
Weekday stays are 20-30% cheaper than weekends.

Final Budget-Cutting Tips
Book flights/trains 2-3 months early (big savings).
Pack snacks/water (park food is 3x pricier).
Use Didi instead of taxis (saves 30%).

Example Budget (5-Day Trip from Beijing):
Transport: ¥800 (flight) + ¥200 (local transport)
Tickets: ¥228 (4-day pass)
Accommodation: ¥400/night x 4 = ¥1600
Food: ¥100/day x 5 = ¥500
Total: ~¥3,128 ($430) 

4. Departure-Specific Itineraries: Tailored Routes from Beijing, Shanghai & Guilin
From Beijing: The Capital Connection
Best Time to Visit
Avoid January-February (heavy smog + bitter cold). Ideal months:

   April-May (mild weather, blooming flowers)
   September-October (clear skies, autumn foliage)

Smart Flight Hacks
Use Air China Miles:

  15,000 miles = one-way economy (usually ¥800-1200)
  Book Tuesday/Wednesday for lowest redemption rates

Direct Flights:
PEK-DYG (2h20m) – Only 1 daily flight (CA1359, 8:30AM)
Alternative: Fly to Changsha (CSX) + 4h high-speed rail

Beijing-Specific Tips
Download  Beijing health code app before departure
Pack N95 masks – Though cleaner than years past, smog still occurs

From Shanghai: East Coast Efficiency
PVG Check-In Must-Knows
Terminal 2 handles all Zhangjiajie flights
Arrive 3h early if checking luggage (long queues at China Eastern counters)
Priority Pass Lounges:

   No.77 Lounge (Gate D71) has best noodle bar

Food Adaptation for Jiangsu/Zhejiang Travelers
Shanghai visitors often find Hunan cuisine too spicy. Try:
wei là = "mild spicy" when ordering

Starter dishes:
Lotus seed soup – Sweet palate cleanser
Bamboo shoots with cured pork – Less fiery

Flight Options
Direct: Spring Airlines 9C7453 (1 stop, ¥600-900)
Better Route: SHA - CSX + bullet train (5h total, ¥550)

From Guilin: The Karst Combo Tour
Geology Buff's Dream
Compare two UNESCO sites:

                       Guilin (Yangshuo)           Zhangjiajie
Rock Type         Limestone karst           Quartz sandstone
Formation          Water erosion            Wind + rain erosion
Best View          Li River cruise              Bailong Elevator

Perfect 7-Day Itinerary
Days 1-3: Guilin (Li River cruise, Yangshuo biking)
Day 4: Bullet train to Zhangjiajie (G1504, 4h)
Days 5-7: Avatar Mountains + Glass Bridge

Pro Tip: Book G1504 early – only 2 daily trains with sleeper berths

Why These Routes Work
Beijing: Leverage capital city flight perks
Shanghai: Optimize transit for food-sensitive travelers
Guilin: Create a "China's Best Mountains" themed trip

5. Seasonal Travel Strategies for Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie’s beauty changes dramatically with the seasons—and so should your travel plans. Below are detailed seasonal guides covering summer escapes, winter wonderlands, and surviving China’s crowded Golden Week.

Summer Edition (June-August)
Beat the Heat & Humidity
Smart Itinerary:
5:30 AM: Hike Yuanjiajie (Avatar Mountains) at sunrise (coolest time, least crowds).
10 AM-3 PM: Avoid peak heat—explore Golden Whip Stream (shaded canyon walk) or Huanglong Cave (natural AC).
4 PM: Take the Bailong Elevator for golden-hour views.

Must-Pack Survival Kit:
Insect Repellent (DEET-based—mosquitoes + ticks are aggressive).
Snake Deterrent Spray (venomous bamboo vipers inhabit trails).
Quick-Dry Clothes (humidity reaches 90%).
Electrolyte Powder (combat dehydration on steep climbs).

Dangers to Avoid:
No flip-flops on trails (slippery rocks + snake risk).
Never swim in unsupervised streams (hidden currents).

Winter Edition (December-February)
Magical (But Treacherous) Snowscapes
Photography Essentials:
Lens Hood (prevents snow glare).
Hand Warmers (battery dies faster in cold).
Waterproof Boots (+ YakTrax ice cleats for glass walkways).

Safe Hiking Tips:
Walk like a penguin on icy stairs (short steps, flat footing).
Pole Test before stepping—some "snow" hides thin ice.
Sunrise after snowfall = prime time for unspoiled shots.

Cozy Stay Pick:
Pullman’s Heated Floors (crucial after -10°C hikes).
Golden Week Survival (Oct 1-7 / May 1-5)
Outsmart the Crowds

Strategic Timing:
Enter parks at 6 AM (gates open early during holidays).
Lunchtime (11 AM-1 PM): Ride cable cars (most tour groups eat).

Dusk: Shoot empty viewpoints as buses stop running.

Crowd-Free Photo Hacks:
Low Angles: Shoot upward to exclude people.
"Fake Private Tour" Trick: Hire a local guide (they know hidden overlooks).
ND Filter Long Exposures: Blur moving crowds at Tianmen Square.

Transport Savvy:
Pre-book shuttles (public buses overflow 2 hours pre-closing).
Avoid Oct 3-4—peak visitor days (7x normal crowds).

Key Takeaways
Season            Best For                           Worst For                              Pro Tip
Summer   Misty peaks, lush greens       Heat exhaustion          Hike at dawn, siesta at noon
Winter      Snow-dusted pillars, no crowds  Icy path dangers    Microspikes > regular boots
Holidays   Festive atmosphere           Queue nightmares            Stay INSIDE the park overnight

Did You Know? The coldest spot (-15°C/5°F) is Tianzi Mountain’s summit in January—hotel pipes freeze solid!

Next Steps:
Summer travelers: Book August trips for clearest skies (July is rainiest).
Winter shooters: Follow @ZhangjiajieSnow on WeChat for real-time updates.

6. Essential Local Know-How: Survival Tips for Zhangjiajie
To truly enjoy Zhangjiajie’s wonders, you’ll need more than just a map— health hacks, and safety protocols can make or break your trip. Here’s what guidebooks don’t tell you.

Connectivity Blackout Zones
Zhangjiajie’s peaks block signals in key areas:

Location                                         Carrier Reliability                                 Workaround
Tianzi Mountain summit      China Mobile only Rent a portable                 Wi-Fi at the park gate
Golden Whip Stream valley               No signal for 2km                 Pre-download offline maps (Maps.me works best)
Bailong Elevator interior                     Zero reception                        Agree on meetup points with companions
Emergency Note: Park rangers use walkie-talkies—find them at rest stations.

Health Management
Microclimate Preparedness
Weather shifts hourly in the mountains:
Morning - 15°C (59°F) with mist
Noon - 28°C (82°F) under harsh sun
After rain - Drops 10°C (50°F) instantly

Packing List:
Compression socks (for 10,000+ steps/day)
Instant heat packs (sold at Wulingyuan pharmacies)
Mini umbrella (doubles as sunshade)

Medication Must-Haves
Altitude sickness: Diamox (for Tianmen Mountain’s 1,519m summit)
Gut protection: Probiotics (combat oily local cuisine)

Snake bite kit: Especially for off-trail hikers in summer
Nearest Hospital: Zhangjiajie People’s Hospital (24hr ER, English-speaking staff rare)

Safety Alerts
Cliff Photo No-Nos
Every year, 3-5 tourists fall while posing. Avoid:
Leaning backward over rails (wind gusts exceed 60km/h)
Selfie sticks extending beyond barriers
High-heeled shoes on wet observation decks

Safe Alternatives:
Squat poses with center of gravity low
Shoot from hip level using phone timer
Harness spots: Pay ¥50 at Glass Bridge photo zones

Monkey Zone Defense
Macaca mulatta here are aggressive thieves:

Item                Risk Level                                      Solution
Shiny phones       High                   Use wrist straps + keep in zipped pockets
Snacks             Extreme       Store in odor-proof bags (monkeys smell through backpacks)
Glasses            Moderate              Wear neck cords (they grab frames)

Behavior Tip:
Don’t smile (showing teeth = aggression in monkey language)
Slow retreat if one approaches—never run

Final Survival Hack
Download Zhangjiajie’s official WeChat mini-program for:
Real-time weather alerts
SOS button linking to rangers
Crowd heat maps

7. Experience Upgrades: VIP Tours, Cultural Immersion & Adventure
To make your Zhangjiajie trip truly unforgettable, go beyond standard sightseeing with these exclusive experiences—from private guides to heart-pounding adventures.

VIP Services (For a Luxe Experience)
1. Private Guide Booking
Skip the crowds with a licensed local guide who knows all the secrets:

Where to Book:
Official Zhangjiajie National Forest Park website (most reliable)
CTrip private tour packages (with reviews)
Hotel concierge (often have trusted contacts)
Cost: ~¥500-1,500/day (depending on language skills)

Perks:
Sunrise access before park opens
Hidden trails away from tourist groups
Photography tips for the best angles

Pro Tip: Ask for a guide who specializes in photography tours—they’ll take you to spots like:
"Avatar Peak" at golden hour
Lesser-known viewpoints in Yuanjiajie

2. Photography Tour Exclusive Spots
Professional photography groups get early/late access to prime locations:
"Sea of Clouds" at Tianzi Mountain (5 AM entry)
Glass Bridge without crowds (private sessions at dusk)
Drone permits arranged through tour operators

Rules:
Drones must be registered (fines up to ¥5,000 if caught flying illegally).
Tripods allowed, but no commercial shoots without permits.

Cultural Immersion (Live Like a Local)
1. Tujia Hand-Waving Dance
Learn this traditional folk dance from the Tujia ethnic group:
Where: Tujia Folk Customs Park (near Wulingyuan)
Duration: 1-2 hour workshops
Best Time: Evenings (during cultural shows)
Bonus: Wear Tujia embroidered costumes for photos!

2. High-Mountain Tea Picking
In Zhangjiajie’s tea plantations, you can:
Harvest tea leaves (spring is best)
Learn roasting techniques
Taste "Baimaojian" tea (a rare local variety)
  Top Spot: Yongding District Tea Farms (1.5h from downtown) 

Pro Tip: Book through eco-tour agencies for authentic family-run farms.

Extreme Adventures (For Thrill Seekers)
1. Wingsuit Flying Spectating
Every September, Tianmen Mountain hosts the Wingsuit Flying World Championships:
Best Viewing Spot: Tianmen Cave platform
How to Attend:
  Tickets (~¥300) sell out fast—book via Tianmen Mountain’s official site.
  Arrive 3 hours early for front-row seats.
  Safety Note: No personal wingsuit attempts allowed (professionals only).

2. Grand Canyon Bungee Jumping
At Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, you can plunge 260 meters (853 ft):
  Cost: ¥2,300 (includes video & certificate)
  Requirements:
  Age 18-50 
  No heart conditions
  Weight 45-100kg 

  How to Book:
  Official site: www.zjjcanyon.com
  WeChat mini-program: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
Alternative: For a cheaper thrill, try the Glass Slide (¥80) nearby!

Pro Tips for Booking
VIP Tours: Negotiate last-minute deals on rainy days (guides have fewer clients).
Cultural Activities: Ask your hotel for local festival dates (more authentic experiences).
Extreme Sports: Check weather conditions—high winds cancel wingsuit events.

Final Thought
Whether you want a private sunrise photoshoot, a Tujia dance lesson, or the world’s scariest bungee jump, Zhangjiajie delivers next-level experiences.

8. Digital Tools for a Smarter Zhangjiajie Trip
To navigate Zhangjiajie’s vast terrain and avoid tourist traps, arm yourself with these essential apps and online services. From real-time cable car wait times to offline maps, here’s how tech can optimize your adventure.

Must-Have Apps
1. Zhangjiajie Official Guide
Why You Need It:
3D Interactive Map – Zoom into trails, viewpoints, and restrooms.
Offline Mode – No signal in deep valleys? No problem.
Audio Tours – Hear the geology behind each peak (English available).

Pro Tip:
Bookmark "Avatar Hallelujah Mountain" and "Golden Whip Stream" before arrival.
The app alerts you about sudden weather closures.

2. Real-Time Cable Car Queue Tracker
How It Works:
Live updates for Bailong Elevator, Tianmen Mountain Cable Car, etc.

Color-coded wait times:
Green = <30 mins
Red = 60+ mins

Strategy:
Ride Bailong Elevator at 7:30 AM (before tour groups arrive).
Use the "Queue Predictor" feature based on historical data.

Note: Scan the mini-program QR code at your hotel—it’s not on global app stores.

Online Services
1. E-Ticket Pre-Binding
Avoid This: Wasting 1 hour in ticket lines under the scorching sun.
Do This:
Buy tickets on WeChat.
Link your ID/passport (mandatory for entry).
Screenshot the QR code—scanners often fail in weak signal areas.

Bonus: Pre-bound tickets get 5% discount vs. walk-up prices.

2. WiFi Coverage Test
Reality Check:
Hongya Cave: Strong signal (but crowded).
Yuanjiajie: Spotty—download maps beforehand.
Glass Bridge: No WiFi (use mobile data for live streaming).

Best Carriers:
China Mobile: Best overall coverage.
China Unicom: Faster in cable cars. 

Google Maps Alternative:
Use Maps.me with pre-downloaded Zhangjiajie trails.

Translation Tools:
Google Lens (for Chinese menu scanning).
Pleco (offline dictionary for hiking signs).

Final Tip: Power Bank Rules
Most attractions ban large power banks (>27,000mAh). Pack two 10,000mAh ones instead.

9. Pitfall Avoidance Guide: Scams & Safety Tips for Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie’s stunning landscapes attract millions of tourists—but also opportunistic scammers. Here’s how to spot and avoid common traps, from transport rip-offs to fake souvenirs.

Transportation Scams
1. Fake Taxi & "Black Car" Tricks
At airports/train stations, unlicensed drivers swarm tourists with "special deals". Watch for:

Scam Scripts
"Official park shuttle is full—I’ll take you for 50 RMB!"
  Truth: Park buses run every 10 mins for 20 RMB.

"Your hotel is closed—I know a better one!"
  Tactic: They earn commissions from shady hotels.

Safe Alternatives:
Use Didi (China’s Uber) or meter taxis.
Pre-book hotel shuttles—many offer free pickup.

2. Shady Private Car Rentals
"All-inclusive" day tours often hide fees:

Contract Red Flags
"Fuel/parking extra" ? Ends up doubling the price.
"Mandatory guide tip" ? Added 15% at the end.

Smart Move:
Demand a written breakdown of all costs.
Pay half upfront, half upon return.

Shopping & Service Scams
1. Fake "Wild" Herbs
Vendors near Tianzi Mountain sell overpriced:
"Wild dendrobium" (often greenhouse-grown)
"Century-old ginseng" (carved radishes)

How to Spot Fakes:
Too-perfect shapes (real herbs are irregular).
No Chinese labels (legal products require them).

Legit Souvenirs:
Zhangjiajie tea (sealed with QR codes).
Tujia embroidery (sold at cultural villages).

2. Photo Shoot Hidden Fees
Street photographers offer "10 RMB per photo!" but:
Extra charges for deleting unflattering shots.
"Special backdrop fee" for popular spots.

Safe Alternatives:
Book through official park studios (fixed prices).
Use tripod + timer (tripods allowed except on glass bridges).

Emergency Contacts
Tourist Police: 0744-12345
Consumer Hotline: 12315
Pro Tip: Save your hotel’s WeChat—they can translate complaints to authorities.

Final Advice
Stay alert for "too-good-to-be-true" offers. As locals say: "If they approach you first, walk away."