China is making travel and shopping more appealing for international visitors by expanding visa-free access and simplifying departure tax refund procedures. These efforts are encouraging more tourists to visit and spend in the country.
Since 2015, China has offered departure tax refunds to foreign travelers and has steadily refined the system. Earlier this year, multiple government departments, including the Ministry of Commerce, introduced updated measures aimed at improving services for overseas visitors and increasing consumer spending.
Key changes include lowering the minimum purchase amount eligible for a refund from 500 yuan (around $70) to 200 yuan, and raising the maximum refund from 10,000 yuan to 20,000 yuan. These adjustments have increased the number of participating stores, expanded the range of refundable products, and made the process faster and more convenient.
From January to September 2025, applications for departure tax refunds rose nearly 230% compared to the same period last year, with total refund amounts increasing by almost 100%, according to China's State Taxation Administration. These figures highlight the growing appeal of China as a shopping destination for tourists.
Visitors have praised the improvements. A Swiss tourist in Shanghai commented that the tax refund process was fast and straightforward, providing almost a 10% discount on purchases. Such incentives are helping position China as a top destination for international shoppers.
Shanghai has set up 26 centralized tax refund service points in major commercial areas, allowing travelers to combine multiple purchases into a single refund transaction. During the 8th China International Import Expo in November 2025, the city introduced a centralized instant tax refund station at the expo venue, enabling pre-authorized refunds in real time.
Across the city, more than 1,700 stores now offer tax refunds, many with mobile options that allow the entire process—from purchase to customs verification to payment—to be completed online. Refunds can be received instantly through apps like Alipay.
This year, nearly 100,000 travelers from 179 countries have used Shanghai's departure tax refund system, with total sales and refund amounts growing by over 80% year-on-year.
In Guangzhou, visitors have also benefited from faster, more convenient refunds. At Teemall, a Spanish tourist praised the efficiency after receiving more than 3,000 yuan in instant refunds while purchasing electronics, traditional clothing, specialty foods, and creative products inspired by Chinese culture.
Guangzhou now has over 1,500 tax-refund stores across all urban districts. One-stop online services allow tourists to scan a store-specific QR code and complete the refund process independently, with some refunds credited in just five minutes.
These updates to visa and tax refund policies are making travel in China smoother and more attractive, encouraging overseas tourists to shop and explore the country.
Source:https://en.people.cn/n3/2025/1211/c98649-20401095.html
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