Lu Xi, 32, an office clerk in Beijing, tried to explain to her 4-year-old daughter why sometimes it is not a good idea to extend a helping hand to an elderly person who falls over on the street.

"She knows from what she's learned in kindergarten that it's a virtue to help the elderly. But reports of some recent cases where those who offered their assistance found themselves in trouble have given me second thoughts," said Lu.

She is among an increasing number of Chinese people who have found it hard to offer help to others when the need arises.