Core Insights - The article highlights the significant growth in China's inbound tourism in the first half of 2025, driven by a series of optimized policies that link "China travel" with "China shopping" [1][4] Policy Enhancements - The continuous optimization of policies such as visa-free transit and departure tax refunds has greatly improved the efficiency of entry for international travelers, making "China travel" a staple option on their travel lists [4][5] - The upgraded visa-free transit policy, effective from December 17, 2024, allows foreign travelers to stay for up to 240 hours (10 days) and has expanded to 24 provinces, enhancing the appeal for deeper exploration [4][6] Inbound Tourism Data - In the first half of 2025, over 19 million foreign visitors entered China, marking a 30% year-on-year increase [3][4] - The number of visa-free foreign visitors reached 13.64 million, a 53.9% increase compared to the previous year, indicating rapid growth in this segment [4][6] Departure Tax Refunds - The number of departure tax refund stores exceeded 7,200, with the number of individuals benefiting from refunds increasing by 186% and the total refund amount rising by 93.2% year-on-year [6] - The implementation of the "immediate refund" policy has significantly reduced the refund processing time from an average of 48 hours to as little as 2 minutes in some cases, enhancing the shopping experience for international travelers [5][6] Future Outlook - The Chinese government aims to further expand inbound consumption and improve the international shopping environment, with plans to develop international consumption center cities and optimize the layout of tax refund stores [6] - The focus is shifting from mere scale expansion to quality enhancement in inbound tourism, with an emphasis on enriching the "Shopping in China" experience [6][7]

(活力中国调研行)四川优化离境退税 外籍旅客享受"蜀里安逸" 中新社成都9月2日电 (记者 安英昭 贺劭清)用离境退税的钱当场吃顿火锅？四川省近期推动离境退税制 度创新、提质扩容，使外籍旅客对"蜀里安逸"消费新场景产生共鸣。 "上个月有两名印度旅客买了手机后，跑到集中退付点领取现金，然后直接去消费了一顿四川特色火 锅。"成都市锦江区税务局税政科工作人员曾俊翔对记者表示，这一幕令他印象深刻且类似情况正在增 多。他介绍称，四川税务部门今年7月创新推出了"码上退"线上服务模式，境外旅客可通过二维码小程 序实现离境退税"即买即退"全流程线上办理。 9月1日，刚到访成都的意大利夫妇卢卡(Luka)和戴博拉(Debora)在春熙路网红打卡点"爬墙熊猫"前自 拍。 中新社记者 安英昭 摄 在记者尝试用意大利语"Dolce Vita"(美好生活)来向他们解释四川的"巴适文化"后，卢卡夫妇连连点头， 并随即在网红打卡点"爬墙熊猫"前自拍，记录下"蜀里安逸"的时光。(完) 来源：中国新闻网 在曾俊翔看来，离境退税的增长得益于240小时过境免签的政策，同时也因为离境退税起退点下调，让 更多境外旅客达到退税条件，提升了境外旅客的消费 ...

Core Insights - Chengdu is enhancing the convenience of tax refunds for international tourists through an "immediate refund" policy, which has significantly increased shopping enthusiasm among foreign visitors [2][4] - The city has established a comprehensive payment system for international consumers, allowing them to use UnionPay cards directly for public transport and facilitating a seamless shopping experience [8][9] Group 1: Tax Refund Policy - The "immediate refund" policy allows eligible international tourists to receive tax refunds on-site at designated stores, reducing the hassle of airport processing [4][7] - From January to July this year, Chengdu's tax refund business has seen a 200% year-on-year increase, with the total refund amount rising by 235% and driving a 195% increase in sales [7] Group 2: Payment System and Services - Chengdu has developed a payment system that includes large card payments, small QR code payments, and cash options, making it easier for foreign tourists to shop [8] - The city has over 65,000 foreign card merchants and more than 580 tax refund stores, with 150 stores offering the "immediate refund" service [8] Group 3: Cross-Province Tax Refunds - The tax refund process has been expanded to allow cross-province handling, enabling tourists to claim refunds when departing from cities like Chongqing, Kunming, or Xi'an [8] Group 4: Online Services and Experience - Chengdu promotes an online "immediate refund" service and leverages the "240-hour visa-free transit" policy to create a seamless "shopping-refund-tourism" experience [9]

Core Insights - The trend of "China Shopping" is gaining momentum, attracting foreign consumers to China for unique shopping experiences, particularly in Shanghai's Huangpu District [1][10] - The customization services in Shanghai's textile market are highly appreciated by foreign visitors, who find the prices significantly lower than in their home countries [1][4] Group 1: Consumer Behavior - Foreign tourists are increasingly visiting Shanghai for tailored shopping experiences, with some stores receiving nearly 20 foreign customers in a single weekend [3] - Many tourists are returning customers, often placing orders for delivery to their home countries due to the quality and personalized service [6] Group 2: Market Dynamics - The Huangpu District has seen a 150% increase in registered tax refund stores, now exceeding 300, enhancing the shopping experience for foreign visitors [10] - From July 4 to August 14, Shanghai's tax refund stores issued 34,000 tax refund application forms, with a total sales value of 470 million yuan, marking a 3.2 times increase in daily issuance and an 83.8% increase in sales compared to the previous year [10] Group 3: Service Innovations - Shanghai has introduced the first self-service tax refund terminal in the country, allowing for immediate refunds and electronic payment options for inbound tourists [10] - The "instant buy and refund" service has seen a 14-fold increase in usage, indicating a strong demand for efficient tax refund processes among foreign shoppers [10]

Group 1 - The introduction of the "one-click tax refund" service in Hangzhou significantly simplifies the tax refund process for departing travelers, enhancing consumer experience and promoting inbound consumption [1][2] - The number of tax refund stores in China exceeded 7,200 in the first half of the year, with the number of people enjoying tax refunds increasing by 186%, and sales and tax refund amounts growing by 94.6% and 93.2% year-on-year, respectively [1] - The "immediate purchase and refund" policy has been expanded nationwide, further facilitating inbound consumption and stimulating market activity [1][3] Group 2 - The "one-click tax refund" service automates the tax refund process, allowing travelers to self-apply and merchants to issue invoices with a single click, thus improving efficiency [2] - There is a call for local areas to adopt similar practices to enhance service convenience, including real-time mobile applications and electronic invoice data sharing [2] - The continuous optimization of the tax refund policy is expected to significantly boost inbound consumption, transforming tourism enthusiasm into consumer spending [3]

Core Points - Hangzhou has launched the country's first "one-click tax refund" service for departing foreign travelers, significantly improving the efficiency of the tax refund process [1][2] - The tax refund time has been reduced from at least 20 minutes to as fast as 2 minutes, with plans to expand the service to all eligible stores in the city by the end of the year [1][2] Group 1: Service Features - The "one-click tax refund" service is characterized by three main highlights: efficient process allowing refunds in as little as 2 minutes, convenient invoicing through the integration of Alipay and the national tax authority's platform, and system compatibility with various payment methods including cash, credit cards, and WeChat Pay [2] - Currently, there are 267 stores in Hangzhou offering tax refunds, a 126.3% increase from last year, with 124 stores supporting the "immediate purchase and refund" service, marking a 785.7% increase [2] Group 2: Economic Impact - The sales volume of tax refunds in Hangzhou this year has reached 2.23 times that of the same period last year, indicating a significant boost in inbound consumption [2]

Core Viewpoint - The semi-annual report of Shanghai New World Co., Ltd. for 2025 indicates a slight decline in revenue and profit, reflecting challenges in the retail and pharmaceutical sectors, while the company continues to adapt to market changes and consumer trends [1][2][5]. Company Overview and Financial Indicators - The company reported a total revenue of approximately 528.06 million yuan for the first half of 2025, a decrease of 2.28% compared to the same period last year [2]. - The total profit for the period was approximately 54.83 million yuan, down by 3.09% year-on-year [2]. - The net profit attributable to shareholders was approximately 45.47 million yuan, reflecting a decrease of 2.29% compared to the previous year [2]. - The net cash flow from operating activities saw a significant decline of 88.61%, amounting to approximately 10.52 million yuan [2]. - The total assets of the company were approximately 5.66 billion yuan, a decrease of 1.32% from the end of the previous year [2]. Business Operations and Market Environment - The company operates in the retail sector, primarily through its department store, New World City, and its pharmaceutical subsidiary, Shanghai Cai Tongde Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., which offers a wide range of traditional Chinese medicine and health products [3][4]. - The retail environment in Shanghai has shown signs of recovery, with the city's total retail sales reaching approximately 826.04 billion yuan in the first half of 2025, a year-on-year increase of 1.7% [4]. - The company is focusing on enhancing consumer experiences by integrating cultural and entertainment elements into its retail offerings, aiming to attract a diverse customer base [6][8]. Strategic Initiatives and Future Outlook - The company is actively implementing strategies to adapt to changing consumer preferences, including the development of new consumption scenarios such as cultural tourism and entertainment [6][8]. - The pharmaceutical sector is expected to benefit from government policies aimed at promoting traditional Chinese medicine, which may enhance the company's competitive position in the market [4][5]. - The hotel segment is also poised for growth as international tourism begins to recover, with the company leveraging marketing strategies to attract more visitors [6][8].

深圳人行相关负责人表示，下一步将联合深圳市税务局在全国首推境外电子钱包退付，为国际旅客提供 更丰富便捷的退付渠道。 与现有离境退税汇款方式相比，跨境支付通在离境退税场景的创新应用，显著提升了香港旅客的退税体 验，有效促进了"二次消费"，具有手续更简便、汇款更高效、币种更多样、消费更便捷四大优势。 人民财讯8月29日电，记者从人民银行深圳市分行（下称"深圳人行"）获悉，8月29日，全国首笔通过跨 境支付通办理的离境退税业务在深圳成功落地。深圳人行联合深圳市税务局，推动跨境支付通试点银行 中国工商银行深圳市分行与离境退税代理机构广东华兴银行深圳分行开展合作，创新拓宽跨境支付通服 务场景，助力离境退税服务再升级，实现退税资金"秒到账"。 ...

Group 1: Shopping Trends and Preferences - The rise of "China Purchase" has led to an expanded shopping list for inbound tourists, with diverse options ranging from traditional clothing to high-tech products [1] - Foreign tourists are increasingly interested in customized clothing, with a notable example being a Swiss executive who regularly orders tailored suits and shirts in Shanghai [2][3] - The South Bund Textile Market has transformed into a hub for custom clothing, attracting many foreign visitors due to its reputation and quality service [3] Group 2: Technological Products and Consumer Experience - In Chengdu, the Huawei Smart Living Store has seen a significant increase in foreign customers, with a 33% rise in inquiries and purchases compared to the previous year [6][7] - The introduction of convenient payment options, including the ability to use international credit cards on public transport, has enhanced the shopping experience for foreign tourists [7][8] - The demand for high-tech products, such as smartwatches and foldable devices, is growing among international visitors in Shenzhen's Huaqiangbei area, with a 50% increase in foreign visitors this year [15][16] Group 3: Culinary Experiences and Cultural Engagement - Guangzhou has become a popular destination for foreign tourists seeking authentic culinary experiences, with traditional dim sum being a highlight [11][12] - The city's food culture is attracting more international visitors, with a reported 30% increase in foreign diners at local restaurants this year [13] - The implementation of transit visa exemptions has allowed tourists more time to explore local cuisine, enhancing their overall experience in Guangzhou [12] Group 4: Retail and Tax Refund Services - Chengdu has improved its tax refund services for foreign tourists, with a focus on enhancing the shopping experience and promoting second-time consumption [8][9] - The "immediate refund" policy has been well-received, with many tourists appreciating the efficiency of the process [8] - The growth in inbound tourism has led to a significant increase in the number of foreign visitors utilizing these services, with a 56.7% increase in foreign arrivals reported [9] Group 5: Market Growth and International Appeal - The South Bund Textile Market and Huaqiangbei in Shenzhen are becoming key destinations for international tourists, driven by the appeal of custom clothing and innovative electronics [3][16] - The overall increase in inbound tourism, particularly in Chengdu and Guangzhou, reflects a growing interest in Chinese culture and products among foreign visitors [9][12] - The combination of cultural events, such as the World University Games in Chengdu, and improved services has contributed to a vibrant shopping environment for tourists [7][9]

Core Viewpoint - The international consumption center city initiative in Chongqing has significantly boosted the sales and tax refund amounts in duty-free shops, with both metrics increasing nearly fivefold in the first seven months of 2025 compared to the previous year [1][7]. Group 1: Policy Implementation - Chongqing has implemented a departure tax refund policy for international travelers since March 2018, with a trial of "instant refund" starting in January 2024 [3]. - In April 2025, the national government further optimized the departure tax refund policy to enhance its effectiveness [3]. Group 2: Store Expansion - Since April 2025, over 100 new departure tax refund shops have been added in Chongqing, bringing the total to 208 [3]. - The number of "instant refund" shops has increased to 10, with local specialty brands also participating in the program [3]. Group 3: Refund Process Innovation - Chongqing has introduced a "concentrated instant refund" model, allowing travelers to receive refunds immediately at designated points in popular shopping districts [4]. - This model has been implemented in three key areas: Jiefangbei, Chaotianmen, and MixC, covering all departure tax refund shops in the city [4]. Group 4: Cross-Region Refund Capability - The departure tax refund process has been streamlined to allow travelers to shop in any city within the Sichuan-Chongqing region and choose to complete their tax refund at either Chengdu Tianfu International Airport or Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport [7].