Tax refund sales in Shanghai from January to November 2024 saw a significant rise, increasing by a massive 88.7 percent year-on-year, according to the Shanghai Municipal Tax Service, State Taxation Administration.

The number of foreign travelers applying for tax refunds also soared by 198.2 percent, covering over 73,000 transactions — reflecting the growing impact of the country's tax refund and 240-hour visa-free transit policies.

While popular shopping destinations like West Nanjing Road, Lujiazui, Huaihai Road and Xujiahui continue to attract the big crowds, new cultural and tourism spots — like Yuyuan Garden and Bicester Village Shanghai — have also been added to the tax refund map, enhancing the shopping and cultural experience for international visitors.

Last year, a record 120 or so new tax-refund stores opened in Shanghai. In addition to fashion, jewelry and beauty products, items reflecting Chinese culture — among them, tea, porcelain and traditional Chinese herbal medicine — have also been included on the tax refund shopping list.

To extend the consumption boom, Shanghai's tax authorities have expanded the coverage of the Refunding upon Purchasing pilot program.

New tax-refund points have been introduced at locations like HKRI Taikoo Hui, Bicester Village Shanghai and Jing An Kerry Centre — making the shopping experience even more convenient.  

[Video/"chinataxnews" WeChat account]

Check out this video to learn more!

Sources: Shanghai Municipal Tax Service, State Taxation Administration, "chinataxnews" WeChat account