International tourists are discovering that shopping in the Chinese mainland has never been easier or more rewarding. Thanks to the new “instant tax refund” policy extended nationwide on April 8, overseas visitors can now enjoy immediate tax refunds right at the point of purchase.
Gone are the days of lengthy airport procedures. With the “buy and refund instantly” model, tourists receive their tax refunds directly in stores. In Shanghai, which piloted the service, nearly half of the city’s 587 tax refund shops offer this convenient option. The results are clear: in the first quarter of 2025, instant tax refund transactions doubled compared to the same period last year.
Travelers are thrilled with the speed and ease of the process. “Unbelievable! The whole process takes only five minutes, and the tax refund was transferred to my bank account very fast,” exclaimed a visitor from Serbia. Belgian tourist Alex De Ceuster shared, “It’s very convenient. I can get up to 9 percent of my tax back, giving me enough cash to shop some more.”
The shopping habits of tourists are also evolving. While traditional souvenirs like plush toy pandas and tea remain favorites, there’s a growing interest in Chinese cultural and creative products. With China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy, visitors have more time to explore, shop, and even get tailor-made Chinese-style outfits.
Tech enthusiasts are flocking to stores for Chinese-made electronics, especially drones. “Our customer numbers have increased by 40 percent compared with the same period last year, and business turnover has grown by 300 percent from a year ago,” said Lin Ruihua, a saleswoman at a DJI store in Shenzhen.
With favorable policies and a surge of innovative products, the Chinese mainland is fast becoming a top destination not just for sightseeing, but also for immersive cultural experiences and dynamic shopping adventures.
