Don’t carry items for strangers when traveling, and don’t accept packages of unknown origin

Cost: No cost at all. Simply say no.
In plain terms: The Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises travelers to avoid carrying luggage or items for others, especially prohibited goods or anything they know nothing about. If drugs or contraband are later found in your luggage, you’ll be responsible for proving that you had no knowledge of them. The same applies to receiving parcels domestically — especially when someone asks you to pay upfront and promises a refund later.
Benefit: Following this advice helps prevent unknowingly transporting prohibited items, thus avoiding any legal consequences. It also protects you from being held liable if contraband is discovered in your luggage.
Evidence grade: B
Sources:外交部领事司 (2023). 对准备出国的中国公民有哪些建议. https://cs.mfa.gov.cn/gyls/lscs/201106/t20110615_876383.shtml
Notes: The official pages from China’s General Administration of Customs and Ministry of Public Security on this topic are currently inaccessible, so this entry relies solely on guidance from the Consular Department. Since the original text only outlines general principles rather than specific legal provisions, it is rated B. The same rules apply to domestic parcel handling — especially when payment is required upfront with a later refund promised.