Two additional checkpoints allowed to set up duty-free shops

Two additional checkpoints in Shenzhen — Shenzhen Bay and Liantang checkpoints — have been allowed by the central authorities to establish port-of-entry duty-free stores.

The two checkpoints were included in a newly released national list of 41 designated ports, covering air, sea, and land border crossings, as part of a central government effort to facilitate tax-free shopping for international travelers entering China.

A duty-free shop in Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport. Photo from WeChat official account "滨海宝安"

In Shenzhen, port duty-free shops are already in operation at Shekou Cruise Homeport, Airport Fuyong Ferry Terminal, as well as Luohu, Huanggang, and Wenjindu checkpoints.

According to the policy, port-of-entry duty-free shops are located within secured zones of international airports, seaports, or land border crossings and are permitted to sell duty-free goods exclusively to arriving international passengers.

Industry analysts view the move as a positive step toward stimulating consumption and supporting the growth of China’s duty-free retail market.

Beyond its natural and cultural attractions, shopping is becoming an increasingly important part of the travel experience for international visitors to China. In recent years, the country has been progressively expanding visa-free entry policies and improving tax-refund services for departing tourists.

The development aligns with the broader national strategy outlined in the Communist Party of China Central Committee’s Recommendations for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–30), which emphasizes cultivating more international consumption hub cities and boosting inbound spending.

Data from the Ministry of Commerce showed that in 2024, spending by inbound travelers accounted for approximately 0.5% of China’s GDP, significantly lower than the 1% to 3% typical of other major economies — indicating substantial potential for growth. To unlock this potential, experts suggest better integrating duty-free shops and tax refund facilities with cultural and tourism resources to create combined “shopping plus tourism” experiences.