背着登山包的欧洲年轻人举着地图讨论路线，推着婴儿车的东南亚家庭对着角楼拍照，几位非 洲游客用翻译器和卖文创的摊主砍价……随着"ChinaTravel"词条在海内外社交媒体的火爆， 这样的画面每天都在北京的街头巷尾上演，暑期尤甚。 8月的北京，英语导游迈克尔额头沁着汗珠，用流利的英语向一个外国家庭讲解太和殿的建筑 规制。"这是我本周第二场故宫定制讲解，"他趁着游客拍照的间隙对21世纪经济报道记者 说，"只要想带，几乎每天都能带团。" 迈克尔是一位2002年入行的资深文旅从业者，同时也是全网拥有百万粉丝的文旅博主。像他这 样的北京英文导游们，正亲历着入境游市场从低温复苏到渐渐高温的全过程，这个暑期市场的 热度更是达了炙热的程度，而且游客们渐渐从北京上海等大城市往众多小城市迈进。 去哪儿旅行数据显示， 暑期外国游客预订机票前往的城市数量达到144个，同比增加16个， 外国游客机票预订量增长最快的前20个城市中，全部为三线及以下城市。 "小包团、定制游占比明显上升，" 迈克尔解释道，"针对游客不同的服务需求，我的收费有所 浮动，但游客接受度很高。"实际上，像迈克尔这样能提供"历史+趣味"双语讲解的导游，暑期 订单早已 ...

Core Insights - The number of tax refund stores in China has exceeded 7,200, with a 186% year-on-year increase in the number of people enjoying tax refunds, and a 94.6% and 93.2% increase in sales and tax refund amounts respectively [1] - The trend of international tourists traveling to China with empty suitcases for shopping has gained popularity, with many foreign netizens expressing excitement about this phenomenon [1] - China's shopping paradise status is reinforced by a wide range of products available, from traditional crafts to the latest electronics, attracting more foreign tourists [1] Group 1: Policy and Economic Impact - China has been expanding its visa-free entry policies and improving shopping tax refund policies, significantly boosting international travelers' shopping enthusiasm [2] - As of July, China has implemented comprehensive visa exemptions with 29 countries, unilateral visa exemptions for 46 countries, and 240-hour transit visa exemptions for 55 countries, facilitating easier access for foreign tourists [2] - The optimization of tax refund policies includes lowering the minimum spending threshold, increasing cash refund limits, and allowing immediate VAT refund applications at retail locations [3] Group 2: Consumer Behavior and Trends - The shopping preferences of foreign tourists have shifted from traditional items like silk and tea to high-value products such as drones and smart wearable devices [5] - The convenience of China's digital payment systems allows foreign tourists to easily link their overseas bank cards, enhancing their shopping experience [5] - The implementation of technology in tax refund processes has improved efficiency, with a 40% increase in processing speed for tax refunds [5] Group 3: Tourism Growth and Market Positioning - The influx of foreign tourists has stimulated demand in various sectors, including retail, hospitality, and tourism services, contributing to overall economic growth [6] - The number of inbound travelers has increased significantly, with 38.05 million foreign visitors recorded in the first half of the year, a 30.2% year-on-year increase [8] - The rise in ticket bookings for less popular cities indicates a diversification in tourist destinations, with a notable increase in interest from countries like Vietnam and Indonesia [9]

Core Viewpoint - The collaboration between Bank of China Shaanxi and Sichuan branches enables a cross-regional "immediate refund" tax refund service for overseas tourists, enhancing consumer experience and stimulating inbound consumption [1] Group 1: Service Implementation - The "immediate refund" tax refund service allows overseas tourists shopping in either Sichuan or Shaanxi to choose where to process their refunds [1] - This service is guided by the State Taxation Administration of Shaanxi and Sichuan provinces, indicating a coordinated effort between local tax authorities [1] Group 2: Economic Impact - The new service model is expected to effectively boost cultural and tourism consumption in both provinces and surrounding areas [1] - It aims to expand the effects of the "immediate refund" policy, optimizing the shopping experience for international visitors [1] Group 3: Regional Cooperation - The geographical and cultural ties between Sichuan and Shaanxi are highlighted, with the opening of the Xicheng High-speed Railway facilitating easier travel and cooperation in cultural tourism [1]

Core Viewpoint - The "Buy in China" initiative has shown initial success this year, with various themed activities enhancing domestic consumption and attracting international tourists [1][2][3] Group 1: Policy and Activities - The "Buy in China" series of activities is being promoted through a combination of policies and events, aiming to enhance consumer experiences for both domestic residents and inbound tourists [2][3] - The Ministry of Commerce and other departments have optimized the departure tax refund policy to stimulate inbound consumption, with measures introduced to facilitate shopping for international tourists [3][4] Group 2: Regional Innovations - Various regions are actively launching innovative measures tailored to their unique characteristics, such as Shanghai's action plan to enhance the international consumption environment and Fujian's efforts to develop departure tax refund stores [4][5] - Shenzhen has initiated a series of "Buy in China" activities, leveraging technology to create a new consumption wave, showcasing smart consumption innovations [4][6] Group 3: Consumption Growth Metrics - During the May Day holiday, Shenzhen saw a 188% increase in inbound travel orders, generating tourism revenue of 5.432 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 40.8% [5] - In the first half of the year, Shenzhen's total retail sales of consumer goods reached 494.868 billion yuan, with a year-on-year growth of 3.5% [6] Group 4: International Tourism Trends - The number of foreign visitors entering and exiting China has steadily increased, reaching 38.053 million in the first half of the year, a 30.2% year-on-year growth [7] - The optimization of policies, including the expansion of visa-free countries and improvements in cross-border payment systems, has enhanced the overall travel experience for international tourists [7][8]

新华社音视频部制作 【纠错】 【责任编辑:邱丽芳】 编导：徐思远 4月27日，国务院新闻办公室举行新闻发布会，介绍优化离境退税政策扩大入境消费有关情况。国 家税务总局货物和劳务税司司长谢文介绍，2024年，办理离境退税的商品销售额、退税额同比分别增长 1.2倍和1.3倍。 ...

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese government is optimizing the departure tax refund policy to enhance inbound consumption and improve the shopping experience for foreign travelers, which is seen as a crucial step in boosting domestic consumption and promoting high-level opening-up of the economy [3][4]. Group 1: Policy Overview - The departure tax refund policy allows foreign travelers to receive a refund of the value-added tax (VAT) on goods purchased in China when they leave the country, which is a common practice internationally [3]. - Since its implementation in 2015, China has offered a significant refund rate of 11% on most goods, effectively refunding the entire VAT [4]. - The new policy aims to address issues such as the limited number of tax refund stores and the lack of diverse product offerings, proposing eight measures to enhance the shopping experience [4][5]. Group 2: Key Measures - The policy encourages the establishment of more tax refund stores in high-traffic areas such as shopping districts, tourist attractions, and airports, while relaxing the conditions for store registration [5][6]. - The minimum purchase amount for tax refunds has been reduced from 500 yuan to 200 yuan, expanding the range of eligible products to include more domestic brands and specialty items [5][6]. - The cash refund limit has been increased from 10,000 yuan to 20,000 yuan to accommodate diverse payment preferences among foreign travelers [7]. Group 3: Market Potential - In 2024, China's total inbound traveler spending is projected to reach 94.2 billion USD, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 77.8%, indicating significant growth potential in inbound consumption [4]. - The share of inbound consumption in China's GDP is approximately 0.5%, compared to 1% to 3% in major countries, highlighting room for growth [4]. Group 4: Implementation and Efficiency - The customs authority has outlined measures to enhance the efficiency of tax refund verification, including ensuring that refund items are carried by travelers and are in unused condition [8]. - The Civil Aviation Administration of China is working to increase international flight services and improve airport facilities to better serve foreign travelers [8].

Group 1 - The expansion of visa-free policies in China has significantly boosted inbound tourism, with 29 countries now having full mutual visa exemption and 46 countries benefiting from unilateral visa-free access [2] - In the first half of the year, the number of foreign visitors entering China reached 38.05 million, a year-on-year increase of 30.2%, with visa-free entrants totaling 13.64 million, up 53.9% [2] - Following the announcement of a temporary visa-free policy for Chinese group tourists by the South Korean government, online travel platform searches surged, with a 70% increase in searches for Seoul within half an hour [2] Group 2 - The optimization of the departure tax refund policy has enhanced the shopping experience for foreign tourists, with measures including lowering the refund threshold to 200 RMB and promoting "buy and refund" services nationwide [3] - In the first half of the year, the sales amount for departure tax refunds nearly doubled, and the number of refund stores exceeded 7,200, marking an 80% increase compared to the end of 2024 [3] - Local governments are launching initiatives to improve the departure tax refund environment, with Shanghai aiming to become a benchmark city for refund services and Fujian Province accelerating the establishment of refund stores [3]

Core Insights - The "Buy in China" initiative has shown initial success this year, with various themed activities such as International Consumption Season and Service Consumption Season being organized to boost domestic and international consumer engagement [1][2][3] Group 1: Policy and Activities - The initiative is driven by a combination of policies and activities, with the Ministry of Commerce and other departments guiding local governments to enhance consumer experiences through diverse offerings and improved shopping environments [2][3] - The optimization of the departure tax refund policy is a key component, aimed at attracting foreign tourists and stimulating consumption, with measures introduced to facilitate shopping for inbound travelers [3][4] Group 2: Regional Innovations - Local governments are actively launching innovative measures tailored to their unique characteristics, such as Shanghai's action plan to enhance the international consumption environment and Fujian's efforts to develop departure tax refund stores [4][5] - Shenzhen has leveraged its technological advantages to host events like the "Smart Summer Brand Exhibition," showcasing innovations in consumer technology and contributing to a surge in consumption [4][6] Group 3: Consumer Trends and Data - During the May Day holiday, Shenzhen saw a 188% increase in inbound travel orders, generating tourism revenue of 5.432 billion yuan, a 40.8% year-on-year increase [5] - In the first half of the year, Shenzhen's total retail sales of consumer goods reached 494.868 billion yuan, with a year-on-year growth of 3.5%, indicating robust consumer spending [6] Group 4: Inbound Tourism Growth - The number of foreign visitors entering China has steadily increased, reaching 38.053 million in the first half of the year, a 30.2% year-on-year growth, with visa-free entry for foreign visitors also rising significantly [7] - Various regions are enhancing their shopping, dining, and tourism offerings to create a more appealing environment for international travelers, with events like the Shanghai Summer International Consumption Season attracting millions of visitors [7][8]

Core Insights - The relaxation of China's visa-free transit policy and the optimization of the departure tax refund policy have significantly boosted the consumption market, leading to a surge in inbound spending by foreign travelers [3] - In the first half of the year, Guangzhou Customs reported over 8,000 tax refund applications from foreign travelers, with a total refund amount exceeding 200 million yuan, marking year-on-year increases of 192.6% and 149% respectively, setting a historical record [3] Policy Enhancements - The Ministry of Commerce, along with the Ministry of Finance and the General Administration of Customs, introduced measures to further optimize the departure tax refund policy, lowering the minimum refund threshold from 500 yuan to 200 yuan and increasing the cash refund limit from 10,000 yuan to 20,000 yuan [3] Traveler Experience - Foreign travelers have expressed satisfaction with the tax refund process, highlighting the convenience and financial benefits, such as significant discounts on purchases after tax refunds [5] - Guangzhou Customs has improved the tax refund experience by providing multilingual services and enhancing data exchange with tax and banking departments, resulting in a 163% year-on-year increase in tax refund applications processed [5][6] Service Innovations - The introduction of an integrated service model at the Nansha Port has streamlined the tax refund process, allowing travelers to complete their refunds in under 10 minutes [6] - Guangzhou Customs is piloting a "one order, one package" service, which allows travelers to have their tax refund items packaged and verified quickly at customs, significantly improving efficiency [6] Future Developments - Plans are underway to develop self-service verification equipment and to promote a paperless process for tax refunds, aiming to enhance the overall consumer experience for foreign travelers [6]

Core Viewpoint - The relaxation of China's exit visa policy and the optimization of the departure tax refund policy have significantly boosted the consumption enthusiasm of foreign travelers, leading to record-high tax refund applications and amounts [1]. Group 1: Departure Tax Refund Policy - In the first half of this year, Guangzhou Customs reported over 8,000 departure tax refund applications from foreign travelers, with a total refund amount exceeding 200 million yuan, marking year-on-year increases of 192.6% and 149% respectively, setting a historical high [1]. - The Ministry of Commerce, along with the Ministry of Finance and the General Administration of Customs, issued a notice on April 27 to further optimize the departure tax refund policy, lowering the minimum refund threshold from 500 yuan to 200 yuan and increasing the cash refund limit from 10,000 yuan to 20,000 yuan [1]. Group 2: Service Enhancements at Customs - Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Customs has enhanced the departure tax refund process by utilizing multilingual staff and translation devices, providing all-time service and consultation to travelers, which has improved the overall refund experience [2]. - In the first half of the year, the total amount of departure tax refund applications processed by Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Customs exceeded 175 million yuan, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 163% [2]. Group 3: Integrated Service Models - The Nansha Customs has implemented an integrated service model for departure tax refunds, allowing travelers to complete the process quickly, with some travelers reporting completion in under 10 minutes [3]. - The "one order, one package" service model has been introduced, where travelers' purchased tax refund items are sealed in standard bags that correspond to their refund applications, facilitating faster customs clearance [3]. Group 4: Future Developments - Guangzhou Customs plans to explore the development of self-service verification equipment to enhance the efficiency of tax refund verification and promote a paperless process for travelers, further stimulating inbound consumption [3].