Chongqing – Foreign tourists visiting Chongqing can now receive immediate tax refunds at the point of purchase, thanks to a new departure tax refund policy launched in Chongqing's Yuzhong District during the May Day holiday.
According to Chongqing Municipal Tax Service, international shoppers spending up to 30,000 yuan (about 4,125 USD) at a single pilot store on the same day are eligible for instant in-store tax refunds, eliminating the need to apply at airports or ports upon departure.
Shoppers browse and make purchases at the Apple Store in Chongqing. (Photo/Yuzhong District)
Located in the heart of Chongqing, Yuzhong District is home to many of the city's most iconic attractions. Its instant refund initiative is part of a broader effort to position the district as a hub for international consumption.
Yuzhong hosts all of Chongqing's consulates general, accounts for one-seventh of the city’s foreign-invested enterprises, and houses 143 Fortune 500 companies, including Maersk, alongside 441 globally recognized brands — a testament to its growing international appeal. According to district authorities, tax refund sales in Yuzhong surged more than elevenfold year-on-year in the first quarter.
Boosted by consumer-friendly policies and the 240-hour transit visa exemption, inbound tourism to China is gaining momentum, with Chongqing emerging as a major hotspot. A recent visit by global internet celebrity IShowSpeed, whose viral content further elevated Chongqing’s profile on international social media, added to the city’s rising fame. According to Ctrip’s Labor Day travel report, Chongqing ranked among the top 10 destinations for inbound tourists during the holiday.
Chongqing World Financial Center is located in Yuzhong District, Chongqing. (Photo/Yuzhong District)
To enhance the shopping experience for global travelers, Yuzhong has established Chongqing's first dedicated tax refund street, in which shopping malls like Chongqing World Financial Center are piloting the new departure tax refund policy. According to Yuzhong District, in April this year, Chongqing World Financial Center completed 12 departure tax refunds covering luggage, accessories, clothing, and other categories of goods.