Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the prevalence of low-cost tour groups organized by insurance companies, which often lead to forced shopping experiences for participants, raising concerns about consumer rights and the integrity of the travel industry [1][10]. Group 1: Low-Cost Tour Groups - Various insurance companies have become heavily involved in organizing low-cost tour groups, which are often criticized for their forced shopping practices [4][6]. - Participants in these tours report being pressured to spend significant amounts of money, with some individuals spending up to 18,000 yuan during trips [5][10]. - The tours often feature a set itinerary that includes multiple shopping stops, with guides enforcing spending quotas on participants [4][6]. Group 2: Consumer Experiences - Many consumers have shared negative experiences on social media, detailing how they or their family members were coerced into making purchases during these tours [3][4]. - Reports indicate that some tourists faced threats regarding their return travel arrangements if they did not meet spending requirements [5][10]. - The pressure tactics employed by guides include emotional manipulation and intimidation, particularly targeting elderly participants [5][10]. Group 3: Industry Practices - The collaboration between insurance companies and travel agencies has raised questions about ethical practices, with allegations of collusion to maximize profits at the expense of consumers [6][10]. - Some insurance companies reportedly receive kickbacks from travel agencies based on the amount spent by tourists, further complicating the consumer's position [6][10]. - The lack of regulation and oversight in the travel industry allows for the proliferation of unlicensed travel agencies that exploit consumers [11][12]. Group 4: Regulatory Response - The Chinese government has recognized the issue of forced shopping in low-cost tours and has initiated measures to combat these practices, including a year-long campaign to address violations [13]. - Regulatory bodies have highlighted the need for stricter enforcement against travel agencies that engage in deceptive practices, including changing itineraries without consent [11][13]. - Legal experts emphasize that consumers have the right to defend themselves against forced shopping and can pursue legal action if their rights are violated [13].

Core Viewpoint - The Harbin Tourism Association has released the integrity guiding prices for tourism products in Harbin and surrounding areas for the summer of 2025 to protect tourists' rights and prevent them from falling into "unreasonably low-priced tours" [1][9]. Group 1: Guiding Prices for Tours - The integrity guiding price for a one-day leisure tour in Harbin is set at 99 yuan per person, including lunch, transportation, and basic guide service [3]. - The integrity guiding price for a one-day in-depth tour in Harbin is set at 328 yuan per person, which includes lunch, transportation, entrance fees to listed attractions, and basic guide service [4]. - The integrity guiding price for a two-day pure play tour in Harbin is set at 998 yuan per person, including meals, transportation, entrance fees, and one night of accommodation [5]. - The integrity guiding price for a two-day tour to Jingpo Lake is set at 1,050 yuan per person, including round-trip train tickets, meals, transportation, entrance fees, and one night of accommodation [6]. - The integrity guiding price for a two-day tour to Yichun is set at 680 yuan per person, including meals, transportation, entrance fees, and one night of accommodation [7]. - The integrity guiding price for a four-day tour to Mohe North Pole Village is set at 1,200 yuan per person, including round-trip train tickets, meals, transportation, entrance fees, and one night of accommodation [8]. - The integrity guiding price for a four-day tour to Heixiazi Island is set at 1,180 yuan per person, including round-trip train tickets, meals, transportation, entrance fees, and one night of accommodation [9]. Group 2: Consumer Guidance - The guiding prices are established based on market research and industry opinions, and tourists are encouraged to choose tours priced at or above these guiding prices to protect their rights [9]. - Tourists are advised to select travel agencies with valid business licenses and operating permits, and to verify their qualifications through the provided online platform [9]. - Tourists should carefully read contract terms when signing up for tours, ensuring clarity on itinerary, accommodation, meals, and transportation [9]. - Tourists are reminded to maintain a rational consumption mindset while shopping and to keep receipts for potential future disputes [10]. - In case of disputes or damage to rights, tourists are encouraged to communicate with the tour guide or travel agency and seek resolution [10].