Traveling to China is about more than just sightseeing and food—shopping is a big part of the experience. From silk and tea to porcelain and handicrafts, China offers countless treasures to take home. But many foreign visitors don't realize that as a foreign tourist, you're eligible for tax refunds on many of your purchases. This guide clears up all the rules so you can shop smart and claim what's yours.
- Shopping Guide: What to Buy, Where to Shop, How to Pay
1.What to buy – top souvenirs foreign travelers love
Silk – China is the birthplace of silk. Hangzhou and Suzhou are famous for high-quality silk products. Scarves, pajamas, and ties offer great value and are easy to pack.
Tea – Longjing, Biluochun, Dahongpao, Pu'er—China's tea culture is profound. Buy from reputable brand tea shops for guaranteed quality.
Porcelain – Jingdezhen porcelain is world-renowned; blue-and-white and famille rose are classic choices. If you're worried about breakage, opt for smaller tea sets or decorative pieces.
Handicrafts – Paper-cuttings, embroidery, jade carvings, cloisonné—each region has its own specialties.
Traditional Chinese medicine and health products – Brands like Tong Ren Tang are popular, but check customs regulations before buying.
Clothing and accessories – Shanghai's fabric markets offer custom-made qipao and suits at excellent prices, with "get measured on arrival, pick up before departure" service.
Electronics – China is a global manufacturing hub, and small appliances and accessories are often competitively priced.
2.Where to shop
Large malls and shopping centers – Fixed prices, guaranteed quality, suitable for brand-name goods and valuable souvenirs.
Some support tax refund—look for the tax-free sign.
Brand specialty stores – For silk, tea, porcelain, etc., these offer better quality and after-sales service.
Duty-free shops – Located in airport departure areas, offering tax-free prices without separate tax refund procedures.
3.How to pay
Cash – Some small vendors and traditional markets accept cash; carry 500–1,000 RMB in small bills as backup.
Credit cards – Visa and Mastercard are accepted at high-end malls and hotels, but less so in everyday scenarios.
-Tax Refund Guide: A Key Benefit for Foreign Travelers
China introduced the departure tax refund policy for overseas visitors in multiple provinces and cities since 2015. In 2023, the sales value of departure tax refunds nationwide exceeded 700 million RMB, an increase of approximately 200% year-on-year. In Q1 2026, Shanghai's departure tax refund sales grew by 70% year-on-year, continuing its rapid growth trend.
1.Who is eligible?
Foreign tourists who have resided in China for no more than 183 consecutive days, as well as compatriots from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.
2.Conditions to meet:
Total value of eligible goods purchased from the same tax-refund store on the same day reaches 500 RMB or more
Goods are unused and unopened
Goods are taken out of China within 90 days of purchase
Goods are carried with you when departing
3.How much do you get back?
The tax refund rate is 11%, but tax refund agencies charge a service fee, so the actual amount you receive is about 9%. Some items (food, beverages, alcohol, tobacco, vehicles, etc.) are not eligible—check with the store.
4.Which items are not refundable?
Food, beverages, alcohol
Tobacco products
Automobiles, motorcycles, and other vehicles
Used or consumed goods
Items prohibited or restricted by customs for export
5.Step-by-step procedure
Step 1: When shopping, look for the "Tax Refund Store" sign. After payment, ask the staff for a Departure Tax Refund Application Form and the sales receipt/invoice. Keep these documents safe.
Step 2: Upon departure, go to the Customs tax refund counter at the airport. Present your refund items, application form, invoice, passport, and boarding pass. Customs officers will inspect the goods and stamp the form—this must be done before checking in luggage and going through security.
Step 3: Take the stamped form and invoice to the tax refund agency counter at the airport. You can choose to receive your refund in cash (RMB) or back to your credit card. If refunding to a card, provide your card details and complete the application form.
6.Major city guides
Shanghai – In Q1 2026, departure tax refund sales in Shanghai grew by 70%, and during the May 5 Shopping Festival, sales in key business districts more than doubled. As of April 2026, Shanghai has 1,054 registered tax-refund stores, including 159 "Instant Refund" stores. The city has formed a tax-refund store network covering all 16 districts, including shopping areas, departure ports, and core commercial streets, achieving full coverage of departure tax refund services. Major departure ports: Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport.
Pudong Airport process: Find the "Tax Refund" customs inspection point (usually in the international departure hall) → Submit your form, invoice, passport, and goods → Customs inspects and stamps → Go to the tax refund agency counter.
Beijing – Major departure ports: Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport; process is the same as Shanghai.
Guangzhou – Major departure port: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.
Chengdu – Major departure port: Chengdu Tianfu International Airport.
Shanghai's "Instant Refund" service – An upgraded service allowing eligible overseas visitors to receive their refund in cash (RMB) on the spot at pilot stores when shopping, using their passport and refund form, without waiting until departure at the airport. This further enhances convenience. As of February 2026, Shanghai has 159 "Instant Refund" stores.
Eligibility: Hold a valid foreign passport or travel document; shop at a pilot tax-refund store; meet the basic conditions for tax refund (as above); and the tax refund form must be stamped with the instant refund seal.
7.FAQs
Q: Do I need to keep the goods with me at all times?
A: Yes, the goods must remain unused and unopened before you complete the customs inspection. The customs inspection point is usually before check-in and baggage drop, so keep them with you for inspection.
Q: How long does it take to receive the refund?
A: Cash refunds are immediate; credit card refunds usually take 3–20 business days, depending on your bank.
Q: Can I check in the goods?
A: After customs inspection and stamping, you can place them in your checked luggage.
Q: Is there a fee for the refund?
A: Yes, the agency charges a service fee, so you receive about 9% instead of the full 11%.
Q: Can I combine multiple invoices from the same store?
A: Yes, as long as they are from the same tax-refund store and meet the conditions, you can combine them.
Q: Can I choose the currency for the refund?
A: Usually you can choose cash in RMB or credit card refund. For credit card, you need to provide the card details in advance.
- Practical Shopping Tips
1.Ask about tax refund eligibility – When paying, ask: "Is this store tax-free for tourists?" If yes, they'll prepare the forms. Staff at upscale malls (like Beijing SKP, Shanghai Henglong) are usually familiar with the process.
2.Keep receipts – The sales receipt/invoice is essential for tax refund; don't throw it away.
3.Arrive early at the airport – Refund procedures take time, especially during peak seasons. Arrive at least 3 hours before departure.
4.Check your home country's customs rules – Some countries (e.g., US, Australia) have strict restrictions on bringing in plant products, animal products, herbs, etc. Know the rules before buying.
5.Refund is based on product value, not payment method – Cash, credit card, or mobile payment—all get the same tax refund amount.
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