【By Observer News, Wang Yong; Editor: Zhao Qiankun】

According to data released by the State Administration of Taxation, from January to June this year, the number of departure tax refund stores in China has exceeded 7,200, with the number of people enjoying tax refunds increasing by 186% year-on-year. The sales of tax-refundable goods and the amount of tax refunds increased by 94.6% and 93.2% respectively compared to the same period last year.

Related information shows that "China travel" remains popular this year, and "China shopping" continues to heat up. "Going to China with an empty suitcase" has become a new trend among international tourists.

On foreign social media platforms, many foreign netizens have expressed, "Flying to China with an empty suitcase for shopping! That's crazy!" "I'm preparing to bring an empty suitcase to China." ...

On July 17, foreign tourists tasted food at a gift shop on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street in Shanghai. Guangming Net

A international travel service provider published an article on its official website stating, "China is a paradise for shopping. Here, you can find everything from traditional handicrafts to the latest electronics and souvenirs. Whether travelers are strolling through bustling street markets or shopping in shopping malls, they will not be disappointed."

The international travel service provider also listed a travel shopping guide in China to attract and facilitate more foreign tourists to come and "shop". According to the guide, must-buy items for tourists visiting China include Chinese tea and teaware, porcelain and pottery, silk and embroidery, calligraphy and painting, baijiu and rice wine, jade and jewelry, as well as interesting and unique cultural and creative products and technology products. In addition, China's special delicacies should not be missed, such as Peking duck, spicy hot pot, spicy duck neck, and White Rabbit milk candy, and it also lists where these goods can be bought or tasted.

Singapore's Straits Times reported recently that China's continuous expansion of the visa exemption plan, well-established shopping tax refund policy, and improved manufacturing capabilities have greatly stimulated the shopping enthusiasm of international travelers. "Foreign tourists arrive with empty suitcases and return full," which has become a prominent long-term topic.

The report mentioned that since last year, China has continuously expanded the scope of visa exemptions, covering more and more countries and regions, greatly facilitating foreigners' entry into China for tourism and shopping. Currently, China is still continuously optimizing a series of immigration policies for foreigners coming to China, helping international tourists "come more often and stay longer."

According to information released by the National Immigration Administration, as of the end of July this year, China has achieved full visa exemption with 29 countries, single-way visa exemption with 46 countries, and 240-hour transit visa exemption with 55 countries. There are also regional visa exemption policies such as visa exemption for entry to Hainan, group tours from ASEAN countries, and cruise ship entry. These measures facilitate more foreign friends to visit China for tourism and consumption.

Liu Jia, a responsible person of the Foreigner Management Department of the National Immigration Administration, said that the continued rise in inbound tourism has promoted the global "China Travel" trend. "Traveling in China, shopping in China, eating in China" has become a new fashion for international tourists. An open, inclusive, prosperous, stable, and vibrant China is increasingly perceived and recognized by people around the world.

Foreign tourists shopping in a store in Shenyang. People's Daily

The Straits Times reported that in addition to the visa exemption policy, China has also improved and expanded the departure tax refund policy to optimize the consumption environment for global tourists. Key changes include lowering the minimum spending threshold for applying for a tax refund, increasing the cash tax refund limit, expanding the number of eligible retailers, and broadening the range of tax-refundable goods. At the same time, foreign tourists can now apply for Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds at the checkout counter in the shopping venue, without having to wait until they leave China.

The report mentioned that the shopping list of foreigners has shifted from traditional items like silk and tea to high-value products, such as drones and smart wearable devices. In addition, activities such as wearing traditional Chinese clothing and experiencing intangible cultural heritage tours have also sparked new consumer demand for foreign tourists to explore Chinese culture.

In terms of payment, China's digital payment system allows foreign tourists to easily link their overseas bank cards. WeChat Pay and Alipay also exempt certain transaction fees for foreign cardholders, meeting their needs for small and frequent transactions.

Earlier reports by Singapore's Travel Weekly Asia stated that high-value goods (such as drones, electronics, and luxury items) in China often offer better value for money, especially for customers from the Middle East and India. These shoppers usually purchase items for personal or family use, and due to China's tax refund policy, they enjoy competitive price advantages.

The report stated that China's departure tax refund policy has had a chain reaction in other economic sectors such as tourism, transportation, and accommodation. This policy has stimulated consumer demand and driven the development of these industries. More foreign tourists entering China's retail stores have boosted sales growth, which in turn stimulates demand for hotel accommodations and tourism services.

According to a previous report by CNN, many foreigners have formed groups to fly to China to buy televisions, mobile phones, clothing, bags, and luggage. Some foreign bloggers even posted shopping requests in videos: "If anyone is going to China this weekend, contact me. I need you to buy something for me from China. Next time I go, I'll help you carry it. We can take turns carrying."

International tourism industry media site Travel Daily News reported that expanding the coverage of the departure tax refund policy for foreigners has played a key role in promoting the prosperity of the tourism industry. With the active global tourism market, China has positioned itself as a destination for international tourists. China has integrated its rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural scenery, and diverse shopping experiences, significantly enhancing its global appeal.

A foreign tourist taking a photo at the entrance of Yiwu International Commodity Market. Zhejiang Daily

According to relevant data, with the continuous expansion and upgrading of China's visa exemption and departure tax refund policies, more and more foreign tourists are enjoying China travel. In the first half of this year, the national immigration management agencies checked a total of 333 million people entering and leaving the country, an increase of 15.8% year-on-year, including 38.053 million foreigners, an increase of 30.2% year-on-year. All over the country, continuous efforts have been made to update products and improve services for target groups, helping inbound tourism achieve unexpected growth.

According to data provided by Qunar to Observer News, in the summer of this year, the number of cities in China that foreign tourists booked flights to on the platform reached 144, an increase of 16 compared to last year. The newly added destinations are mostly hidden gem cities with beautiful natural landscapes and relatively cool climates, such as Ganzi in Sichuan, Zhangye in Gansu, Anqing in Anhui, Enshi in Hubei, and Aksu in Xinjiang.

Additionally, the top 20 cities with the fastest growth in foreign tourists' flight bookings were all third-tier and below cities. From the perspective of flight bookings, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia remain the main sources of tourists coming to China, while remote sources such as the United States and Canada also contributed a large number of tourists.

As the "world supermarket", Yiwu attracts countless foreigners pulling empty suitcases to "shop, shop, shop" every day. Hanfu, embroidered scarves, handmade teapots... all are packed into suitcases.

Data shows that the number of flight bookings for foreign tourists traveling to Yiwu, Zhejiang in the summer has increased by 2.6 times year-on-year. Among them, the flight booking volume for tourists from Vietnam and Indonesia to Yiwu increased by more than three times.

This article is an exclusive contribution from Observer News. Without permission, it cannot be reprinted.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7540561916050014747/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author. Please express your opinion by clicking the [Like/Dislike] button below.