What's with all the hookers in Shanghai?
 

After a week in Beijing, we're currently completing a week in Shanghai. I know China, including Shanghai, pretty well and know what to expect. However, I'm overwhelmed by the number of times I've been propositioned by pimps and hookers this week. It must be because I'm a da pan middle-aged gweilo, but every time I go outside the hotel for a cigarette at night, some pimp (frequently the same pimp) offers me, "young Chinese girls." What's worse is they're persistent -- they won't take "bu ya" for an answer.

Last night, I got fed up and, after saying, "No, no, no" several times, I pointed to the doorman and said, "Why don't we ask this guy over here what he thinks?" The pimp took off, and I complained to the manager. This is a 5-star hotel (Lau Jin Jiang) and I told him I don't care what happens on the street, but they shouldn't be coming on hotel property for this. He said he'd notify security. I left him and went to the elevators to go back up to the room (and Mrs. PTravel). A young girl (quite cute, actually) followed me into the elevator, began some small talk (Where are you from?, etc.), followed me off at my floor and said, "You want massage?" I said, "No," and gave her a small lecture.

Aaaarrrrggggh.

I've never had this kind of problem in China before. Is it Shanghai (this is my fourth time to the city)? The Chinese economy? My pathetic bad looks?

The Chinese have been exporting the low-rent hooker business to Japan also. You can "meet" them at the Roppongi crossing and at Kanda station in the evenings. Real pain in the arse.

Apparently, it's not Shanghai, but my hotel. See here:

http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=892022

Next time try " Mei You " instead of "Bu Yao". They might not believe you don't want..but they will definately leave you alone if they think you don't have "money".:p

I can't count the number of hookers that have banged on my door at the Hilton there.

(I usually just let them out) (Kidding)

Seriously, it took a personal visit with the hotel manager to stop it. :mad:

I just reamed out the assistant manager.

I had gone out for another cigarette and yet another "massage girl" came up and wouldn't take "no" for an answer . . . right in front of the doorman!

I found the assistant manager and told her what was going on, including that hotel personnel aren't doing anything to stop it. She tried to give me a complaint form and I blew up. I told her I didn't want a complaint form, and would complain to the Chinese Ministry of Tourism. I told her that her hotel was giving a bad face to China. I said that I love China and have been here many times and know better than to think this hotel represents the country. I told her that a western tourist here for the first time will think that this nonsense is China, when it's not, and I was embarrassed for the country because of the shame the hotel was causing. It would appear I hit the right notes (and I really believe what I said), because she was clearly shaken.

I went back upstairs and told Mrs. PTravel what happened. We've decided it's probably best if we don't go downstairs again until we check out tomorrow morning. ;)

Follow that up with a call to the front desk asking the Hotel Manager to contact you.

I suspect that, when we check out tomorrow, he'll be on a duty and I'll make a point of speaking with him. I'm going to show him my "review" from the other thread.

I don't want compensation, I don't want comps -- all I want is for them to clean up their act.

After I had my little "chat" with him; he had some guy posted outside my door and the guy was posted there on my next visit.

If I remember correctly; the second time after that, I was on the executive level and did not have that problem again.

Try this phrase " Wo shi tong xing lian".:D

They may respond "Ni shi tong xing liang zhe, ma?"

Then say "Dui" four times...real fast.

You do realize the hotel staff are often in on this, right?

I do.

Bad tactic. I've tried this before. The pimps/promotors for "lady bars" used to bug me all the time (they still do on occasion when I'm in BJ/SH). I once said, "I want a man bar." The guy paused, looked a little shaken, and said, "ke yi! (can, or ok)" and started pounding a number into his phone. I ran away.. fast.

Stay in western 5 star places (if you have the budget), you'll get the occasional hookers in the lobby, but they'll have plenty of targets and I have yet to be disturbed.. Then again I'm not caucasian and usually dress a bit casually (read like a college student) when not working.

I am in Shanghai right now. Jin Jiang is not a decent hotel to stay, and its right in the centre of those business. The only reason the hotel would allow this happens is, they don't have a in-house service, not like most of Chinese hotels. I guess you know what I mean. Domestic hotel brands always less careful on their reputation.

I found less problems in Shanghai compare with other inland cities. And this is why my colleagues and I always try our best to come back to Shanghai every night.

I will need to spend a night in an inland city on Thursday, let's see what turns out :)

In China, I would recommend Shangri-La, they don't have in-house service, nor the doorman would help you to order a "take away delivery".

That's funny...I guess as long as they think you have money to spend they will
try to find some way to get it.