What is 'Pai Huazi'?

'Pai Huazi' (拍花子) is a widely circulated folk term in northern China (especially old Beijing, Northeast China, etc.), referring to child traffickers. This term carries strong local cultural and urban legend connotations and is recorded in ancient texts such as 'Chao Shi Cong Zai' (朝市叢載), the Qing Dynasty novel 'Peng Gong An' (彭公案), and 'Dream of the Red Chamber' (紅樓夢). 📰 Origin of the Name 1. Source of Identity: In olden times, many people who abducted children would disguise themselves as beggars (colloquially known as 'Jiao Huazi' - 叫花子) who begged on the streets to avoid suspicion. 2. Method of Operation: Folk legends say these people had a kind of 'hypnotic drug'. By simply 'patting' a child's forehead or shoulder once, the child would become dazed and obediently follow the person, thus earning the name 'Pai Huazi'.