Shang Ning’s Blog

The professional beggars in Beijing


This entry was posted on Thursday, December 13th, 2007.

Xara's friends have planning to visit China in the next year, SabineM and Milly have been visited China. I know these infomations via their comments in my blog, thanks their comments first.

But I will reminding you, don't trust the beggars when you come to China. There are a lot of professional beggars in Beijing, most of them are not true poor, they are even richer than an office worker.

beggars

They are the members of the Beggar's Federation, this is a large, complicated organism. The members disguise themself as beggars, then they go to the malls, subway station, parks and the other public places, begging for money.

They can begging more than 100 yuan per day, it is reported by newspaper, 85% beggars are professional beggars, only 15% are really poor man.

Now, the policy is already set, it did not encourage people to give money to the beggars, if you think they are really need help, you can calling police help them.

12 Responses to “The professional beggars in Beijing”

Mike
December 14th, 2007 at 4:10 am

I usually give food or drinks to beggers when they ask for money. I don’t like giving money, because a) they’re either scamming you like your post mentions b) using the money for drugs or alcohol.

So, if they’re being sincere that they need the help, I’ll ask them if they want food or something to drink — you can usually tell when they really need a bite to eat, or when they just really need to get their next high.

Several times in New York City, I’ve been approached by homeless or beggers, and I’ve happily bought them a pretzel from the street vendors. These people are genuinely happy for your help, too. So, it’s a win-win situation — no scams involved.

Irma Devita
December 14th, 2007 at 9:37 am

Wow, very interesting fact about the beggars. But I think it is not fair for the really poor man, when the people think that they are one of the proffessional beggars. Anyway, you have a very nice sites! Thanks for vitising my blog and Nice to know you.

Shelia
December 14th, 2007 at 6:34 pm

Wow, I never heard of such a thing. This is good information. I will make sure to keep it in mind.

I too give food or drink to beggars. i think that you also endanger yourself when you show the beggar that you have money.

liciece
December 14th, 2007 at 10:17 pm

In KL,more and more beggars are begging too.So I never give money to them now.I think we’d better to donate to those organizations who are really helping people.

Alexander
December 14th, 2007 at 10:34 pm

I do agree with you. :)
But I’ve never knew there was a beggar organisation. Sounds scary. :P

SueSue
December 15th, 2007 at 12:24 am

Talking bout beggars,I too will not give them any money. Wonder whether they are true beggars or not.

Mike
December 15th, 2007 at 1:48 am

Shelia, you are absolutely right that you do put yourself in danger. But I typically will only help if I know I have a dollar or two in my pocket… If i know I have to reach for my wallet, I just won’t help — Too risky.

cindy
December 15th, 2007 at 1:55 pm

nowdays there are even begging monks!
monks are not supposed to do so, am i right?

lasilasi
December 15th, 2007 at 4:57 pm

wow beggar organisation! i heard that in some place, when you give money to one, you’ll get a swarm of them…

leviuqse
December 15th, 2007 at 7:49 pm

i usually don’t give to beggars, i just have this weird feeling that i’m just making them more dependent on others.

Chris De La Rosa
December 19th, 2007 at 7:19 pm

A few years back a Toronto newspaper (or was it a tv station) did a story where they followed a beggar who pretended to be not only poor, but handicap. Turns out she had a sweet life living in one of those fancy condos in Toronto. So yes, professional beggars can be found world-wide.

SHANG: The Front Door of The Imperial Palace » Shang Ning’s Blog
December 24th, 2007 at 4:04 am

[…] Now, Beijing is very cold, the first winter snow has broke over Beijing, when you come here, be careful, there are a lot of professional beggars, don't trust them. […]

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