春运通关更便利，离境退税带动境外旅客“中国购”热情｜新春消费青观察

Core Insights - The peak travel period during the Spring Festival in 2026 is expected to significantly boost passenger flow at Beijing Capital International Airport, driven by the outbound tax refund policy encouraging foreign travelers to spend in China [1][2] - In January 2026, the customs at the airport processed 7,966 tax refund applications, amounting to approximately 125 million yuan, representing a year-on-year increase of 469.81% and 43.68% respectively [1][2] Group 1: Tax Refund Process - The tax refund process has become more convenient, with optimized signage and procedures at the airport, reducing wait times for travelers [7][9] - The customs authority has implemented a "smart supervision" system to enhance efficiency during peak travel times, focusing resources on high-risk targets while allowing most travelers to enjoy a seamless experience [9] Group 2: Traveler Experience - Travelers have expressed positive feedback regarding the improved clarity of guidance and faster processing times at the customs [9] - A significant number of foreign travelers are taking advantage of the tax refund policy, with many purchasing popular domestic products during their stay in China [2][5] Group 3: Retail Environment - During the Spring Festival, approximately 13,000 tax refund stores across the country are stocked with high-quality products, allowing foreign visitors to enjoy discounts equivalent to 10% off [5]