By Sara Naumann. The oldest occupation in the world is illegal, but as in many countries, prostitution in China is flourishing. With the changes in policies brought around in the s, prostitution is now very visible and exists in cities, villages, and rural areas of China. Prostitutes and pimps can be "pushy," bordering on aggressive, toward visitors. It is fairly easy to avoid ladies of the night if you know what to look for but in some places, foreigners stay, especially small or locally-run hotels, it can become a nuisance when the room telephone rings at 11 p.
Ladies of the night typically hang around places where they think clients will be and where they have been successful at getting them. This includes bars, hotels, and massage parlors. Men can be approached with what initially may seem to be a friendly conversation or a flirtatious look, but be on guard if the encounter develops into an offer for "paid services.
If you feel threatened or uncomfortable, just leave the establishment and move on. Working girls hang out at hotel bars and lounges. The approach will probably be subtle if you are in an international hotel as these establishments try very hard to keep prostitutes out of their hotels. In non-international hotels, especially in smaller cities, prostitution is sometimes integrated into the workings of the hotel. Blind people were traditionally given the vocation as masseurs. It would be a shame if you don't experience a proper Chinese foot massage for fear of being approached with offers of the wrong thing often termed the " Happy Endings " massage.
Many businessmen find themselves being entertained by their Chinese hosts. Guests buy drinks for the girls who entertain by singing or chatting amicably with the men. Often, these girls can be paid to accompany the men to their hotel rooms. But be firm in your wishes to remain single for the night. It will not be considered rude. Even women can go for massages and be asked if they'd like something more than just a back massage.
Some of the women and sometimes young girls probably did not end up as a prostitute by choice. Many are sold or kidnapped and then forced to work as prostitutes. Often, they come into cities from the countryside on promises of decent jobs as waitresses and then have no way of returning home once they realize what is expected of them.
