China is making it easier for international travelers to shop before they leave the country. New tax refund measures took effect on July 1, bringing faster airport processing, digital paperwork and more tax refund stores.

For many travelers, the biggest improvement comes at the airport. Instead of checking every purchase, customs will now randomly inspect tax refund claims worth less than 10,000 yuan (about $1,470). Travelers who are not selected can skip the goods inspection altogether.

Refund forms and invoices are now processed digitally, removing much of the paperwork from the process. Industry estimates say the new procedures could cut waiting times at departure ports by more than half.

The government is also expanding where visitors can shop tax-free. More retailers are being added to the program, particularly in major shopping districts, tourist attractions and transport hubs. China now has about 14,000 tax refund stores, around four times as many as at the end of 2024.

The changes come as inbound tourism to China continues to recover. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council's (WTTC) 2026 Economic Impact Research, China welcomed more than 68 million international visitors in 2025. The country is also on track to reclaim its position as the world's largest outbound travel market, with spending forecast to rise 22.5 percent to nearly $280 billion in 2026.