Foreign visitors impressed by easier sales tax refunds(4)

Attracting visitors

China introduced the departure tax refund policy for overseas travelers in 2015.

Last year, sales of eligible goods rose 120 percent year-on-year, while the total amount of tax refunded increased by 130 percent, according to official data.

Inbound tourists spent a total of $94.2 billion last year, up 77.8 percent from a year earlier, Xinhua News Agency reported.

At the MixC malls in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, prominent signage and clear instructions for overseas shoppers seeking departure tax refunds are now a common sight in stores like Sundan and DJI.

At DJI's drone store, overseas tourists often arrive in groups to purchase drones and handheld cameras. "Besides our own promotions, Hong Kong-based influencers come to visit and post videos showcasing the departure tax refund process here," said a staff member, adding that nearly 60 percent of the store's total sales come from Hong Kong consumers.

The number of stores offering departure tax refunds at Shenzhen's MixC malls has risen by 30 percent year-on-year in 2025, according to Liang Jingyi, head of departure tax refund operations at Shenzhen MixC.

To further streamline the departure tax refund process for overseas travelers, Shenzhen on Sunday launched a new pilot program featuring a "one order, one bag" model at three designated malls.

Under the scheme, purchases and departure tax refund forms are packed together in sealed bags, enabling customs officials to quickly verify the packaging's authenticity and cut inspection time by more than 50 percent.

In Shanghai, Stephanie, a traveler from Australia, was discovering her first trip to the city was not just a tourism experience but also a shopping bonanza.

"I enjoyed the sights and the shopping experience here," she said, adding that she picked up souvenirs and clothes, including Chinese brands that are becoming increasingly popular among Australians.

What surprised her most was the departure tax refund policy, which she believes makes shopping even more appealing.

"The departure tax refund policy is totally new to me, and it is very helpful," she told Xinhua.

Sheng, from the commerce ministry, said in 2024, spending by overseas visitors accounted for about 0.5 percent of the country's GDP, compared with one to three percent in major economies. "China's inbound consumption holds great growth potential," he said.