A "tax free" sign is on display at a DJI's flagship store in Beijing's China World Mall on April 22, 2025. Photo: Zhang Yiyi/GT

A growing number of foreign nationals have been flocking to China not just for sightseeing but also shopping, as China has expanded visa-free access and improved services like instant tax refunds, some foreign shoppers and vendors in Beijing told the Global Times. 

Topics related to foreign tourists coming to China to shop have been gaining attention on Chinese social media in recent days. The trend shows not only the strong appeal of China's high-quality, affordable products but also the country's commitment to openness and shared development, an expert said.

Such a trend was on display at some malls in Beijing. At a counter in Beijing's SKP mall, Carlos, a tourist from Spain, was trying a leather bag, his wrist weighed down with shopping bags from other brands. "My Chinese friend told me that China recently rolled out an 'instant tax refund' service for departing tourists," he told the Global Times. "I got my refund right after making the purchase. Plus, the mall is running a promotion right now. Between the discounts and the tax rebate, I'm saving thousands of yuan. That's why I'm thinking of buying another bag!"

Since a landmark trial policy offering unilateral visa exemptions was launched in December 2023, China has expanded unilateral visa-free access to travelers from 38 countries, allowing stays of up to 30 days, according to Xinhua.

In addition to visa-free access, China has also moved swiftly to make it easier for foreign visitors to shop in the country. On April 9, China launched the nationwide rollout of a new tax refund policy for foreign tourists, replacing the traditional "refund-upon-departure" model with a more streamlined a "refund-upon-purchase" mechanism.

Wang Peng, a researcher at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Tuesday that such efforts reflect China's broader goal of becoming a top international travel destination by "offering a faster, more convenient shopping experience and enhancing its global tourism appeal." He said that the new tax refund policy allows foreign tourists to reinvest refunded taxes into further purchases during their trips, significantly boosting consumption. 

James, a traveler from New Zealand, said that the rebate process was quick and easy. "I didn't need to go to the airport to fill out any paperwork. The refund counter is on the first floor of the mall, just a few minutes' walk from the store," he told the Global Times. "The whole process took only a few minutes."

A staff member at Beijing SKP mall told the Global Times that foreign visitors can get instant tax refunds for same-day purchases between 500 yuan ($70.42) and 50,000 yuan, provided that they stay in China no longer than 183 consecutive days and depart within 17 days of purchase. 

The staff member said that with a refund rate of 11 percent and a 2 percent service fee, "lately, we've seen many foreign visitors coming to claim tax refunds," noting that the purchases range from handbags and clothing to shoes and other items.

A sales representative at DJI's flagship store in Beijing's China World Mall told the Global Times on Tuesday that thanks to original pricing and rebates, products are often cheaper than abroad, attracting a growing number of foreign buyers. Notably, foreign shopper traffic has surged since the US imposed additional tariffs, with most opting for high-value products like drones, the sales representative said. 

"The surge is driven by economic factors, and it shows the strong appeal of Chinese products," Zhou Mi, a senior research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, told the Global Times on Tuesday, noting that China's visa-free and tax refund policies reflect the country's sincerity and commitment to openness and sharing.

Zhou added that through these policies, China aims to create a more stable policy environment and offer greater convenience to foreign visitors. "The goal is to attract more international friends to China, not just for travel and shopping, but also for investment and trade," he said.

Tiina Lientola, 47, a Finnish national living in Sweden and working as a product manager, visited China from April 13 to 18, traveling to Shanghai and Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu Province.

She told the Global Times that China's visa-free policy for Finnish travelers made her trip much more convenient. "I bought rice wine, Chinese candy, tea, clothes for my son and a jacket for myself," Lientola said. China has a wider variety of clothing with more unique and interesting designs, she said. "There are many more interesting and unique garments to choose from. I'm looking forward to more visits to China."

Maria, 58, a frequent visitor from Venezuela, told the Global Times that traditional Chinese medicine is a major draw for her trips to China. She often gets massages during her stays and brings home medicinal products she believes help older people like her stay youthful and healthy.

Shopping has also become a highlight. Maria said that she enjoys visiting local markets to practice her Chinese and bargain with vendors. "This time, I bought Tang suits for my husband and me to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary," she said, adding that she's sure he will proudly wear it on special occasions.

"These products and cultural items not only meet the shopping needs of foreign tourists but also help lead to word-of-mouth promotion overseas, enhancing the global visibility of Chinese goods and culture," Wang said.