Buying duty-free goods in Shanghai has become far more relaxed, removing the need for last-minute shopping at the port before departure.

From Dec 27, travelers scheduled to depart on an international cruise within the next 60 days can shop for duty-free items in advance at downtown locations. On the same day, the newly upgraded Sinopharm downtown duty-free shop reopened at No 293-5 Jiangning Road in Jing'an district.

Located in the heart of the West Nanjing Road shopping area, the store spans two floors. Its design blends classic Shanghai-style architectural elements with modern aesthetics, creating a space that feels both international and distinctly local.

The store adopts an innovative operating model that brings together duty-free and taxed goods, imported and domestic brands, as well as duty-free shopping and health-related products.

Shoppers can choose from a wide range of categories, including skincare, perfumes and cosmetics, wines and spirits, and premium bags and accessories. In addition to international brands, the store features well-known Chinese liquor such as Moutai and Wuliangye, along with time-honored brands like Lei Yun Shang. A dedicated Shanghai Gifts zone showcases products that reflect the city's cultural identity.

The second floor is devoted to duty-free products. To mark the reopening, the store is rolling out several promotions, including discounts of up to 90 percent on selected duty-free items, complimentary gifts for visitors, and skincare gift sets for single purchases exceeding 988 yuan (about $140.90).

The first floor houses a newly introduced taxed-goods shopping zone that is open to all consumers, with no passport or travel documents required. On opening day, cosmetics, skincare products, and alcoholic beverages proved particularly popular, with some taxed beauty items offered at discounts of up to 50 percent.

At present, the store mainly serves travelers departing from Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal. Passengers with confirmed cruise plans within 60 days can present their passport and cruise ticket to purchase duty-free goods at the Sinopharm downtown shop, then collect their purchases in person at the terminal's departure isolation area on the day of departure.

The reopening of the store is said to reflect Jing'an district's broader efforts to develop a new international consumption model that integrates tax refunds, duty-free shopping, and bonded services.

This year, the district has promoted service brands such as the "Jing'an 5-minute tax refund convenience circle" and "EASY Refund", building a more efficient and consumer-friendly tax refund network. Along West Nanjing Road, major commercial landmarks including Plaza 66, Zhangyuan, HKRI Taikoo Hui, Reel Mall, Jiuguang Department Store, Jing An Kerry Centre, and CITIC Pacific Plaza have formed the city's largest and most high-end cluster of tax refund merchants. Jing'an now hosts more than 800 tax refund stores, with over 100 offering the instant "refund-upon-purchase" service.

Meanwhile, the Zhangyuan Dedicated Bonded Warehouse, which began operations in November last year, has addressed a key gap in bonded services in Shanghai's central urban area. As the country's first dedicated bonded warehouse located within a protected heritage building, it supports the display and trading of high-end consumer goods. To date, the platform has hosted 14 international brand debut exhibitions and shows, involving goods valued at more than 100 million yuan. With streamlined procedures in place, verification, pickup, declaration, and delivery can now be completed in about 30 minutes, roughly the time it takes to enjoy a cup of coffee.

Sources: Shanghai Observer and WeChat account of Shanghai Jing'an Media Center