Shenzhen opened a new departure tax refund point at Luohu Port on July 31, the third land port facility launched in the city this year after Futian and Shenzhen Bay ports. Together with existing refund points at Wenjindu Port, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, and Shekou Cruise Home Port, the city has now realized full coverage of departure tax refund services across sea, land, and air gateways.
The initiative is part of Shenzhen’s broader push to build a comprehensive tax refund management and service system, aimed at stimulating inbound consumption and strengthening its role as the “first stop for inbound tourism.”
According to the Shenzhen Tax Service, more than 1,500 shops across the city are now authorized to process departure tax refunds. From January to July, tax-refunded sales reached 584 million yuan (about $81 million), doubling year on year. Among them, “instant refund” sales — where overseas visitors can receive refunds immediately at designated stores — totaled 75.04 million yuan, surging more than 25 times from a year earlier. With Shenzhen spanning 1,997 square kilometers, this means there is roughly one refund shop for every 1.3 square kilometers, allowing international travelers to conveniently access services in nearly every major shopping center.
In late June, the city also rolled out a self-service mini-program for tax refunds. The platform enables eligible inbound travelers to receive on-the-spot refunds at “instant refund” stores, or to submit documents online in advance for purchases made at regular refund shops and collect refunds at departure by scanning a QR code. The app also features an electronic map of refund shops and offers service guides in 14 languages, further enhancing convenience for global visitors.