The number of departure tax refund stores in China has witnessed significant growth, surging by 80 percent to more than 7,200 locations as of now, according to a spokesperson from the Ministry of Commerce.

In addition, the total tax refunds issued during the first half of 2025 nearly doubled compared to the same period last year, indicating a robust recovery in foreign tourist spending.

This surge in tax refund stores aligns with China's strategy to enhance inbound consumption, especially following the introduction of a refined policy aimed at stimulating foreign tourist expenditure.

On April 27, the government unveiled measures to enhance this policy further by reducing the minimum spending threshold for refunds, which is now set at 200 yuan, and raising the cash refund ceiling to 20,000 yuan, thereby making the program more accessible.

International tourists can now benefit from multiple forms of refunds, including mobile payments, bank transfers, and cash, significantly broadening the options available for reclaiming their expenses.

To further promote consumption, various localities are tailoring initiatives to their unique characteristics; for instance, Shenzhen has introduced exhibitions featuring advanced technologies, while Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region has organized events focused on promoting ASEAN fruit sales.

The Ministry of Commerce, in collaboration with other governmental agencies, is actively working to enrich product offerings, enhance service quality, and create diverse shopping experiences, ensuring that tourists experience the dynamism of China's consumption market.

As part of promoting consumer spending, the MOFCOM and relevant departments launched the "Shopping in China" campaign at the recent China International Consumer Products Expo, aiming to attract more international shoppers.

Statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics indicate that China's retail sales reached 24.55 trillion yuan in the first half of the year, marking a year-on-year increase of 5 percent, which reinforces domestic consumption's essential role in driving economic growth.

Domestic consumption has accounted for an impressive 52 percent of GDP growth, solidifying its status as the primary engine fueling the economy, especially as foreign tourist spending continues to rise.