"Made in China" attracts global shoppers as favorable policies boost travel rush

“中国制造”吸引全球购物者，政策利好推动出境消费热潮

NANJING, May 13 (Xinhua) -- As Dean Dubois, a tourist from France, explored the ancient, enchanting shops of Guanqian Street in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, he couldn't resist a shopping spree.

南京 5 月 13 日电（新华社）——来自法国的游客迪安·杜布瓦（Dean Dubois）在中国东部江苏省苏州市观前街探访古老而迷人的商店时，他忍不住疯狂购物。

"This is my second time shopping in China, and every time I feel like I can't buy enough," he said, after stuffing his already brimming suitcase with traditional Chinese attire, embroidered scarves, handcrafted teacups, and a brand-new smartphone.

“这是我第二次来中国购物，每次我都觉得买不够，”他往早已塞得满满当当的行李箱里继续塞进中国传统服饰、刺绣丝巾、手工茶具和一部全新智能手机后说。

With the rise of "China tours" on social media in recent years, shopping sprees in China are fast becoming a global consumer trend. An increasing number of international tourists are now visiting the country with shopping as a key motivation.

近年来，随着社交媒体上“中国游”的兴起，来到中国购物正迅速成为一种全球消费趋势。越来越多的国际游客现在以购物为主要动机到访中国。

A GROWING ATTRACTION

吸引力日益增强

According to data from the National Immigration Administration (NIA), during this year's May Day holiday, the number of foreign nationals entering and exiting China reached around 1.12 million, marking a 43.1 percent year-on-year increase.

根据国家移民管理局（NIA）的数据，今年五一假期期间，入境的外国游客达约112万人，同比增长43.1%。

"Make sure to bring an empty suitcase to China!" This tongue-in-cheek travel tip has recently gone viral on overseas social media platforms. A growing number of foreign tourists are embracing the "tourism plus shopping" model.

“来中国，一定要带一个空行李箱来中国！”这个半开玩笑的旅行小贴士最近在海外社交媒体平台上疯传。越来越多的外国游客开始践行“旅游+购物”模式。

Some overseas consumers have even formed "shopping groups" that fly to China specifically to stock up on popular items. On social media, one blogger posted a "mutual assistance shopping" invitation, saying: "If you're going to China this week, could you help me buy something? Next time I go, I'll return the favor!"

一些海外消费者甚至组成“购物团”，专门飞到中国囤爆款商品。在社交媒体上，一位博主发布了“互助购物”邀请，称：“如果你这周要去中国，你能帮我买点东西吗？我下次去中国，我会回报你的！”

In Shanghai alone, foreign spending reached 455 million yuan (about 63.2 million U.S. dollars) between April 30 and May 4, marking a staggering year-on-year increase of 211.6 percent.

仅在上海，4月30日至5月4日期间，入境消费金额达4.55亿元人民币（约合6320万美元），同比增幅高达211.6%。

"Look at this wallet. Every thread is hand-stitched!" South African blogger Sarah excitedly shared with her followers on a video platform, showing off the treasures she picked up during her recent trip to China. She went on to share: "And this is a thermos cup that can automatically brew tea -- such an amazing design!"

“你看这个钱包，每一针线都是手工缝制的！”南非博主莎拉在视频平台上兴奋地与粉丝分享，炫耀自己最近中国之行淘到的宝贝。她接着说道：“这是一款可以自动泡茶的保温杯，这个设计太神奇了！”

Foreign tourists' shopping preferences are evolving. Data from China's payment platforms showed that foreign tourists are increasingly drawn to local supermarkets, trendy cultural products and specialty foods.

外国游客的购物偏好正在发生改变。中国支付平台的数据显示，外国游客对当地超市、时尚文化产品和特色食品的兴趣更加浓厚。

"Before, I would buy little souvenirs and cheaper T-shirts, but now I want to take home items with cultural significance," said Dubois, noting that his shopping list includes silk products, ceramics, traditional Chinese clothing, and smart products.

“以前，我会买一些小纪念品和更便宜的T恤，但现在我想把具有文化意义的物品带回家，”杜布瓦说，并指出他的购物清单包括丝绸产品、陶瓷、中国传统服饰和智能产品。

The continued relaxation of visa policies has made it easier for "China tours" to turn into shopping tours. Data released by the NIA last month showed that since the implementation of the 240-hour visa-free transit program, the number of foreign arrivals in China had increased by 40.2 percent, with the proportion of visa-free visitors reaching 71.3 percent.

签证政策的持续放宽，让“中国游”更容易变身购物游。NIA上个月公布的数据显示，自240小时过境免签计划实施以来，来华旅客数量增长了40.2%，免签游客比例高达71.3%。

"I can stay longer in China, so of course, shopping is a must-do. And I can explore nearby cities as well," said Italian tourist Giancarlo Marino.

意大利游客吉安卡洛·马里诺说：“我可以在中国呆更长时间，所以购物当然是必须做的事情。我还可以游览附近的城市。”

MORE TAX REFUNDS

离境退税优惠升级

China has introduced a series of measures to stimulate shopping, including lowering the threshold for tax refunds from 500 yuan to 200 yuan, raising the cash refund limit to 20,000 yuan, adding more tax refund stores at tourist hubs, and expanding the "buy-and-refund" service nationwide.

中国出台了一系列刺激购物的措施，包括将退税门槛从500元下调到200元，把现金退税限额提高至2万元，在旅游散集地增设更多退税商店，并在全国范围内推广“即买即退”服务等。

Chen Youping, financial director at a shopping mall in Wuxi City, Jiangsu, explained that with a tax refund rate of 11 percent, a foreign tourist purchasing goods of 10,000 yuan could save 900 yuan after deducting a 2 percent handling fee. "This is particularly attractive for consumers purchasing luxuries or high-end electronic products, which could also encourage them to spend more."

江苏无锡市一家商场的财务总监陈友平解释说，按照11%的退税率，外国游客购买1万元的商品，扣除2%的手续费后，可以省下900元。“这对购买奢侈品或高端电子产品的消费者特别有吸引力，这也可以鼓励他们扩大支出。”

"It's like a discount right on the spot," said Marino, who received nearly 1,000 yuan in tax refunds through the "buy-and-refund" service at Nanjing Deji Plaza. "You can do it all on your phone, and it's super convenient! It prompts me to buy more unique products."

“就像当场就打折一样”，马里诺说道。他在南京德基广场通过“即买即退”服务获得近千元退税。“这些操作都可以在手机上搞定，超级方便！这促使我购买更多独特的产品。”

Statistics showed that in 2024, the tax refund scale in 10 pilot areas increased by 22 times compared to the previous year.

数据显示，2024年10个试点地区即买即退退税规模较上年增长22倍。

Meanwhile, the increased coverage of foreign card POS systems and the continued upgrades in mobile payment services have made transactions smoother. Some regions have offered "tap-and-go" payment options for foreign tourists.

与此同时，外卡POS系统覆盖率的提高和移动支付服务的持续升级，让交易变得更顺畅。一些地区为外国游客提供了“轻触支付”的支付选择。

The items in shopping carts also reflect the global appeal of "Made in China." Folding screen phones, drones and smart home devices are consistently capturing attention. "The quality, design, and iteration speed of Chinese products are truly impressive," Dubois said.

购物车里的商品体现了“中国制造”的全球吸引力。折叠屏手机、无人机和智能家居设备一直备受关注。“中国产品的质量、设计和迭代速度确实令人印象深刻，”杜布瓦说。

Zhang Chunlong, director of the Institute of Social Policy, Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Social Sciences, found that Chinese products are growing more attractive in the global market.

江苏省社会科学院社会政策研究所所长张春龙发现，中国产品在全球市场的吸引力在不断增强。

"High quality and cost-effectiveness have led foreign tourists to continue visiting China to buy good products," Zhang said.

“高质量和成本效益吸引外国游客不断到访中国购买优质产品，”张说。