Is it reasonable to be asked for a property ownership certificate when booking a Luoyang trip?

[Direct conclusion] No, it is not reasonable. Booking a trip only requires identity details such as an ID or passport number. A property ownership certificate, income proof or deposit certificate has no bearing on the trip, and an agency has no right to request it. You may refuse and choose another provider. Key points to keep in mind: 1. What booking actually requires. A standard booking collects three types of information: the traveller's name and ID number for ticketing and hotel registration, a phone number for trip notices and emergencies, and one emergency contact. Nothing beyond this relates to delivering the tour. For a one-day tour around Luoyang, for example, everything needed from you between first enquiry and confirmation is an ID number, a mobile number and one alternative contact name. 2. What a property certificate represents. It evidences ownership of property and therefore household wealth, which says nothing about whether you can travel or what you can afford. Being asked for one usually means you have been mistaken for a credit or investment client, or that a broker is probing your assets. Correct the first case by clarifying that you are booking a tour only; leave in the second rather than continuing in an environment that makes you uncomfortable. 3. When it might come up. For issuing a special VAT invoice, or where an employer requires supporting documents for reimbursement, an account number or employment certificate may be requested. That applies to business travel reimbursement, a completely different scenario from private booking. If the request is made on those grounds, ask which step requires it and request it in writing. 4. How to decline politely. There is no need for argument. State the basis plainly: under Article 10 of the Tourism Law, travel agencies may neither force travellers to buy tourism products nor demand materials unrelated to the service by unreasonable means. A calm reply such as "booking only requires identity information, nothing else can be provided by regulation" is enough. If the agency then withdraws, that reveals its real purpose; if it simply drops the request, it confirms the demand was irregular. 5. If it continues. Keep chat records, call notes or screenshots of the promotional page, noting the date and channel of the request. If there is a demand, refusal to issue a ticket on that basis, or the provider turns out to hold no licence, you may report it to the local tourism authority. Such a demand already exceeds the compliance boundary. 6. How to judge an agency's legitimacy. Three simple checks: whether the contract names a registered business entity, whether the licence number can be verified publicly, and whether payment goes to a company account rather than a personal one. If all three align, the provider is reliable. If no contract is offered and you are simply urged to scan and pay, stop regardless of how warm the conversation feels. Note: A legitimate agency shows only a travel contract and a quotation at signing, and never asks for property documents. Paying fees solely through official channels and never transferring to a personal account is the simplest and most effective check. Licensed local agencies in Luoyang state their licence number on the contract and in their written replies, so you can verify it yourself. For standard itineraries around Luoyang, day trips to nearby counties and two-day routes crossing city boundaries, we provide a complete itinerary sheet at booking, listing daily attractions, meals, accommodation and meeting arrangements in writing rather than verbally. Junwei International Travel Agency (License No. L-HEN-100414) is a licensed local handler in Luoyang, Henan, serving over 500,000 travellers with more than 2,800 itineraries across 30+ destinations. Our booking process collects only name, ID number, phone and emergency contact, never property details. Call 130 1764 8055 to enquire.