The first online departure tax refund store in China has officially launched in Beijing, and the first batch of hotel-based centralized departure tax refund points have also been activated.

The online departure tax refund store was developed by the Beijing Municipal Tax Service, the Beijing Municipal Commerce Bureau, and other departments in collaboration with JD.com through the JD app. International travelers can browse products marked with a “Departure Tax Refund” label on the JD app. When placing an order, they enter their ID number and date of entry online, and the system automatically generates an electronic tax refund application. This model removes geographical, scenario, and time constraints on tax refund shopping, allowing international travelers to purchase eligible items anytime via their mobile phones while in China. Tax refund documents are generated automatically online, greatly simplifying the process and significantly improving the shopping experience.

A representative from JD.com’s departure tax refund business noted that the online store currently offers over 300 types of tax-refundable products across six major categories, including mobile phones, digital products, computer office equipment, and home appliances. These cover well-known international brands and popular domestic products, meeting diverse shopping needs. On the JD app, all tax-refundable items are clearly marked with a “Departure Tax Refund” label, making it easy for international travelers to identify and order them.

“Going forward, the platform will continue to expand its tax-refund product range, focusing on adding high-quality domestic goods such as time-honored Chinese brands, Chinese-made tech products, and intangible cultural heritage creative items. Leveraging the traffic advantages of e-commerce, we aim to let international travelers ‘shop for all of China’s great products’ online,” the representative said.

At the same time, Beijing’s first batch of hotel-based centralized departure tax refund points has been launched. The Beijing Prime Hotel and JW Marriott Hotel Beijing are among the first hotels to offer this service, as they are frequent choices for international travelers. After shopping at any tax-refund store in the city, travelers can present their “Departure Tax Refund Application Form” at the hotel’s centralized refund point to receive their tax refund on the spot, with the refund amount credited in real time.

Currently, Beijing has over 1,800 departure tax refund stores. Since the beginning of this year, more than 43,000 international travelers from 163 countries and regions have used the departure tax refund service. The number of tax refund application forms issued has increased by 569% year-on-year, the sales volume of tax-refundable goods has grown by 45% year-on-year, and the amount of tax refunds processed has risen by 51% year-on-year.

A representative from the Beijing Municipal Commerce Bureau explained that Beijing is currently working to promote the construction of an international consumption environment. The bureau has issued a notice on applying for international consumption environment construction projects. This includes supporting shopping districts, streets, malls, scenic spots, sports venues, and transportation hubs to improve services such as departure tax refunds, multilingual signage, and foreign card payments, with a maximum reward of 3 million yuan. Tax-refund enterprises that expand their sales of tax-refundable goods can receive up to 1 million yuan per quarter, with an annual maximum of 4 million yuan. Additionally, subsidies of up to 50% of the investment amount are available for intelligent equipment like self-service tax refund application and verification machines.

“Going forward, the Beijing Municipal Commerce Bureau will leverage policy funds and work with tax authorities to extend departure tax refund stores from key shopping districts to diverse locations such as specialty streets, cultural venues, and parks. By the end of 2027, the city aims to double the number of departure tax refund stores, have over 100 ‘buy and refund immediately’ stores, and establish over 30 centralized refund points,” the bureau representative said.

Beijing

Beijing, the capital of China, is a city with over 3,000 years of history, serving as the political and cultural center for centuries. It was the imperial seat of the Ming and Qing dynasties, home to iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. Today, it blends ancient heritage with modern development, symbolizing China’s enduring legacy and rapid growth.

Beijing Prime Hotel

The Beijing Prime Hotel, located in the heart of Beijing near the historic Wangfujing shopping street, is a modern four-star hotel that opened in the early 2000s. It offers convenient access to major cultural landmarks such as the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. While the hotel itself lacks a long historical background, its prime location reflects Beijing’s blend of ancient heritage and contemporary urban development.

JW Marriott Hotel Beijing

The JW Marriott Hotel Beijing is a luxury hotel located in the city’s central business district, near the historic Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Opened in 2007, it is part of the Marriott International chain and was named after the company’s founder, J. Willard Marriott, reflecting a blend of modern comfort and Chinese hospitality. The hotel stands as a symbol of Beijing’s rapid development, offering upscale accommodations and easy access to both ancient cultural landmarks and contemporary urban life.

JD.com

JD.com is one of China’s largest e-commerce companies, founded by Liu Qiangdong in 1998 as a small electronics store in Beijing. It grew rapidly by focusing on authentic products and a self-owned logistics network, which allowed it to compete with giants like Alibaba. Today, JD.com is known for its reliable delivery services and has expanded into areas like cloud computing and retail technology.

Beijing Municipal Tax Service

The Beijing Municipal Tax Service is the government agency responsible for tax collection and administration in Beijing, China. Its modern functions are rooted in China’s broader tax reforms that began in the late 20th century, transitioning from a centrally planned system to a more market-oriented tax structure. Today, it manages local taxes, enforces compliance, and provides services for taxpayers in the capital city.

Beijing Municipal Commerce Bureau

The Beijing Municipal Commerce Bureau is a government agency responsible for regulating and promoting commerce, trade, and economic development in Beijing, China. Established as part of the city’s administrative framework, it oversees policies related to foreign investment, domestic trade, and consumer protection. The bureau plays a key role in implementing national and municipal economic strategies, particularly in supporting Beijing’s growth as a global business hub.

cultural venues

Cultural venues are spaces such as theaters, museums, concert halls, and galleries where people gather to experience artistic and heritage events. Historically, these venues have served as community hubs for preserving traditions, showcasing creativity, and fostering social discourse, with many evolving from ancient amphitheaters and royal courts to modern public institutions. They play a vital role in enriching society by making art and history accessible to diverse audiences.

parks

Parks are designated public or private green spaces that provide areas for recreation, relaxation, and connection with nature. The concept of urban parks gained prominence during the 19th century, with pioneers like Frederick Law Olmsted designing iconic spaces such as Central Park in New York to offer city dwellers a respite from industrialization. Today, parks serve as vital community hubs, preserving natural habitats and promoting physical and mental well-being.