Core Insights - The report from CICC highlights the rise of "China Travel" and "China Shopping" due to improved inbound policies and changes in tax refund policies, which are expected to drive growth in the domestic consumption market [1][2] Group 1: Inbound Travel Trends - The optimization of inbound policies has led to a rapid increase in "China Travel," with foreign visitor numbers showing a year-on-year growth of 28% [1] - By the second quarter of 2025, the overall inbound and outbound passenger numbers in mainland China are expected to recover to 96% of the levels seen in the second quarter of 2019 [1] - The average quarterly improvement in foreign visitor numbers has been approximately 5 percentage points since the first quarter of 2024 [1] Group 2: Consumer Behavior and Spending - CICC estimates that the average spending of inbound travelers in China will be $714 in 2024, with a focus on quality experiences, particularly in accommodations [2] - There is significant potential for growth in shopping consumption among foreign visitors, especially for products with unique Chinese characteristics or price advantages, such as luxury goods and domestic electronics [2] - The optimization of tax refund policies in April 2025 is expected to significantly stimulate shopping consumption among inbound travelers [2] Group 3: Airport Consumption Dynamics - Airport consumption is anticipated to benefit slightly from "China Shopping," although there are still some bottlenecks that need to be addressed [2] - Both duty-paid and duty-free shopping at airports are expected to gain from the growth in inbound consumption, but the current impact on performance is limited [2] - Factors such as shopping time, store layout, and tax refund qualifications may restrict the shopping experience for foreign visitors at airports [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the growth of inbound tourism in China, driven by optimized entry policies and the rise of "China Shopping," which is expected to provide new growth momentum for the domestic consumption market [2][4]. Group 1: Inbound Tourism Growth - Inbound tourism has seen rapid growth due to continuous optimization of entry policies, with foreign visitor numbers increasing by 28% year-on-year as of 2Q25, recovering to 82% of pre-pandemic levels [4][10]. - The average spending of inbound travelers in China is estimated at 714 USD, with shopping accounting for over 20% of their total expenditure [19][21]. - The recovery of inbound tourism is uneven, with foreign visitors still on a steady upward trend, while overall inbound travel has nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels [10][14]. Group 2: "China Shopping" Trends - The "China Shopping" trend is characterized by foreign tourists focusing on unique and competitively priced products, particularly luxury goods, domestic electronics, and traditional or trendy local products [4][28]. - The relaxation of tax refund policies in April 2025 has significantly stimulated shopping consumption, with tax refund sales increasing by 95% year-on-year in the first half of 2025 [26][28]. - Inbound tourists prefer products that are either unique to China or have a price advantage, indicating a potential for growth in shopping consumption [28][29]. Group 3: Airport Consumption Insights - Airport consumption is expected to benefit slightly from the growth in "China Shopping," although the impact on performance is currently limited due to factors such as shopping time, store layout, and tax refund qualifications [5][30]. - Both duty-free and taxable commercial sectors at airports have the potential to benefit from increased inbound consumption, but current limitations may hinder effective engagement with foreign customers [30][32]. - The preference for fragrance products among Chinese travelers is significantly higher compared to travelers from other countries, indicating a unique consumption pattern [32].