Qingyuan in Guangdong province has launched its first tax-refund store for international tourists, part of a national effort to make shopping more attractive to visitors from abroad. The Qingyuan Sheraton Hotel received the official designation this week, allowing eligible overseas shoppers to claim refunds on value-added tax (VAT) for items purchased there.
The move follows broader policy changes announced by Chinese authorities in 2025, which lowered the minimum spending for tax refunds from 500 yuan to 200 yuan and expanded the network of participating stores. International tourists, defined as foreign nationals and Hong Kong and Macao residents who have stayed in the Chinese mainland for no more than 183 consecutive days, can now request refunds on same-day purchases exceeding 200 yuan at designated locations.
At the Sheraton Qingyuan, visitors can buy golf equipment, brand-name clothing, and other premium goods, and complete tax refund procedures on-site. Hotel staff have received training from local tax officials on eligibility rules, documentation, and the issuance of refund forms.
The Qingyuan government aims to roll out the service to more businesses, with plans to introduce immediate "buy-and-refund" points where tourists can receive cash rebates directly at the point of sale. The city hopes this move will strengthen its appeal as a destination for global visitors.
Nationwide, the number of tax-refund stores is expected to grow to nearly 10,000 this year, up from about 3,700 in 2024. Major shopping districts, tourist sites, and transport hubs across China are adding similar facilities to capture a larger share of inbound tourism spending.
Author | Feng Huiting
Photo | Nanfang Plus
Editor | Wei Shen, James Campion, Shen He
