Two foreign consumers check merchandise at a duty-free shop in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong Province, on August 26, 2025. In the first half of this year, the number of duty-free rebate stores in China surpassed 7,200, with the number of tax refund recipients up 186 percent year-on-year, while sales of tax-refunded goods and total refunds nearly doubled, according to official data. Photo: VCG

The number of overseas tourists applying for tax refunds upon departure increased by 305 percent year-on-year in 2025, China Media Group reported on Monday, citing data from State Taxation Administration (STA).

The data also said that sales of tax-refundable goods increased by 95.9 percent year-on-year, and the tax refund amount increased by 95.8 percent year-on-year, part of the highlights to show the consumption scenarios in the second largest economy. 

The rising data came amid the background as Chinese government is taking concrete efforts to increase the shopping experience for inbound tourism, as China is lowering the minimum purchase amount for tax refunds for departing travelers, increasing the cash refund limit, relaxing and simplifying store registration requirements, and promoting instant tax refunds for departing traveler.

China will improve inbound travel services and make travel in China more convenient over the next five years, the Xinhua News Agency reported on December 9, citing Sun Yeli, minister of culture and tourism.

During the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), China will continue to enhance the convenience of its services, including visas, tax refunds, accommodation and transportation, Sun said.

China has now established mutual visa exemption agreements with 29 countries and unilaterally offers visa-free entry to nationals of 48 countries. The total number of entry ports covered under the 240-hour visa-free transit policy now stands at 65, significantly streamlining travel for international visitors.

Shanghai welcomed remarkable 9.36 million inbound visits last year, posting year-on-year growth of nearly 40 percent and setting a new record in annual inbound tourism, the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism said on Thursday.

A major financial hub, Shanghai received 7.14 million foreign tourists in 2025, a surge of almost 50 percent year on year, achieving a new record in annual foreign tourist arrivals, local authorities.

STA also said consumer demand for home appliances, mobile phones and new energy vehicles has been robustly released. Innovative consumption models and scenarios have continued to integrate and evolve.

Data from motor vehicle sales unified invoices indicates that in 2025, the sales volume and sales revenue of new energy passenger vehicles increased by 24.3 percent and 21.1 percent year-on-year, respectively.

The integration of culture and tourism has ignited new vitality in consumption. In 2025, sales revenue from literary and artistic creation and performances increased by 17.3 percent year-on-year. 

The innovation of immersive and scenario-based tourism has driven the quality enhancement and upgrading of cultural and tourism consumption. Sales revenue from travel agencies and related services, scenic spots, and leisure sightseeing activities increased by 11.2 percent, 26.1 percent, and 14.6 percent year-on-year, respectively.


Global Times