Chongqing - Chongqing has upgraded Jiefangbei and Raffles City into centralized service centers offering one-stop tax refunds for overseas visitors, making the process faster and more convenient, the Yuzhong District Commission of Commerce said.
"Departure tax refunds are a key driver for enhancing Chongqing's international appeal and stimulating inbound consumption," said an official from the commission. The new centralized refund hubs consolidate previously scattered resources, allowing overseas travelers to access shopping, tax refunds, currency exchange, foreign card withdrawals, and multilingual assistance in one location.
A picture of Jiefangbei. (Chongqing Daily)
More than ten retailers in Raffles City, including DJI, Watsons, LEGO, and FIYTA, are already participating in the upgraded program. With offerings ranging from Chinese heritage brands to global fashion and cutting-edge technology products, the tax refund service supports a more diverse shopping experience for visitors.
The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China's Chongqing Jiefangbei Branch has also become the city's only bank-based centralized refund hub. Here, travelers can immediately claim tax refunds after making purchases, while also accessing multi-currency exchange and foreign card withdrawal services to meet cross-border financial needs.
Officials said the upgrade brings three key changes: citywide refunds at either hub for faster service; refunds issued in shopping districts to boost on-site spending; and QR code digital services with bilingual staff for added convenience.
Since early 2025, Chongqing’s Yuzhong District has expanded its departure tax refund system with new policies to spur inbound consumption. It now leads the city with 85 refund stores, six shop-and-refund outlets, and two centralized hubs—ranking first in all categories.
Taking the opportunity of the 12th World Games, the State Administration of Taxation Sichuan Provincial Taxation Bureau has also teamed up with tax authorities in Chongqing, Yunnan and Shaanxi to launch a new “buy-and-refund” initiative with cross-port recognition.
Overseas visitors shopping in Sichuan with instant tax refunds can now clear customs at five airports—Chengdu Tianfu, Chongqing Jiangbei, Xi’an Xianyang, Kunming Changshui or Lijiang Sanyi—making travel plans more flexible and refunds more convenient.
The appeal of visiting China remains strong this year, and shopping has become an even bigger draw. Many overseas visitors now “bring an empty suitcase,” stocking up on silk, tea, porcelain, trendy brands, cultural products, and tech gadgets, said Xinhua.
Official data show the momentum is clear. From January to June, the number of tax refund stores across China more than doubled to over 7,200. The number of visitors claiming refunds jumped 186% year on year, while both sales of refund-eligible goods and the total refund value nearly doubled.