Image Source: Global Times
Beijing's two major airports have achieved a historic high in overseas travelers' tax refunds, indicating a boom in inbound tourism and shopping fueled by China's optimized tax refund policy and increased visa-free entry. The recent statistics speak volumes about the success of new policies aimed at making traveling and spending in China more enticing and convenient for overseas tourists.
During the initial four months of 2025, Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport handled departure tax refund applications amounting to almost 369 million yuan (approximately $51.36 million), an increase of 79.41 percent year-on-year and a new historical high for this period. This rise is related to simplified tax refund procedures, the extension of instant refund services, and the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, which has greatly promoted foreign visitors and consumption within the city.
Record-Breaking Growth
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Beijing airports dealt with tax refund applications worth 369 million yuan from foreign travelers during the first four months of 2025, which jumped by 79.41 percent year-on-year.
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Tax refund applications during the May Day holiday period alone increased by 105.14 percent, and the amount refunded increased by 155.81 percent year-on-year.
Policy Drivers and Innovations
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The 240-hour visa-free transit policy has been a chief factor in drawing more foreign tourists, with both passenger volumes and tax refund claims soaring sharply.
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Beijing launched a centralized "Instant Tax Refund" service model that enables overseas travelers to get refunded at service points set up across the city before they leave, making it even easier.
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The limit of instant departure tax refunds in Beijing was increased from 50,000 yuan to 220,000 yuan, covering more than 95 percent of visitors eligible for a refund.
Greater Convenience and Services
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Several tax refund counters have been established in airport departure zones to keep up with higher demand.
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New multilingual guidebooks and electronic maps currently assist visitors in finding refund-eligible shops throughout Beijing, enhancing overall shopping convenience.
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Electronic displays and specialized signage throughout airports give explicit instruction on tax refund processes, and baggage carousels located near customs counters also simplify the inspection and check-in process.
Wider Impact on Inbound Tourism and Retail
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From January to April 2025, Beijing Customs dealt with 7.07 million inbound and outbound passengers, a 22.3 percent year-on-year increase, and processed 40,622 flights, a 23.9 percent increase.
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The minimum amount of spending required for a tax refund was reduced from 500 yuan to 200 yuan, and the cap on the cash refund was raised to 20,000 yuan, making the policy more available to more tourists and more stores.
Spendings from inbound tourists in Beijing during the May Day holiday increased 48 percent year on year, with 104,000 inbound tourists traveling to the capital, up 42.4 percent.
Sources: ChinaDailyApp, english.beijing.gov.cn, Chna Daily
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