'Phone Tap' tax refunds boost China shopping appeal

(ECNS) — China’s inbound tourism is rising as visa-free policies expand and measures to facilitate consumption take effect, with shopping becoming an increasingly popular draw for foreign visitors.

According to CCTV, a delegation from the U.S. Student & Youth Travel Association recently visited Beijing, Xi’an and Hangzhou to develop study-tour programs. The group experienced tai chi and Peking Opera in Beijing, viewed the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, and learned about traditional tea culture in Hangzhou.

Official data shows inbound tourist arrivals have more than doubled year-on year in 2024. Spending by U.S. visitors rose 50%, while French visitor spending jumped 160%.

In August, Hangzhou rolled out China’s first “one-tap tax refund” service, enabling travelers to obtain refunds within minutes by tapping their mobile phones. According to local authorities, the city now has 277 tax-refund-eligible stores, with refund-related sales expected to reach 250 million yuan (about $35.18 million) this year, up from 110 million yuan in 2023.

The streamlined refund process is expected to be piloted nationwide.

(By Evelyn)