Home to world-famous landmarks such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, Beijing is also one of China's premier shopping destinations. From centuries-old crafts and cultural souvenirs to luxury fashion, cosmetics, and contemporary Chinese brands, the city offers something for every shopper. More than 1,600 registered tax refund stores operate across Beijing, while 78 shopping malls offer instant tax refund services. Beijing has also pioneered a citywide centralized refund system, allowing travelers to process eligible tax refunds conveniently at designated downtown service centers.
What is the departure tax refund?
China's value-added tax (VAT) refund for overseas travelers allows eligible short-term international visitors to reclaim the VAT paid on purchases made at officially registered tax refund stores.
As of June 2026, Beijing has more than 1,600 participating stores across districts including Dongcheng, Chaoyang, Haidian, and Fangshan, covering major shopping malls, outlet centers, cultural retail stores, and tourist shopping areas.
Recommended tax refund shopping locations
Besides receiving refunds directly at participating stores, Beijing also operates three centralized downtown refund centers located in:
• China World Mall (Guomao)
• WF CENTRAL (in Wangfujing Street)
• Financial Street Shopping Center
Receipts from any registered tax refund store in Beijing can be processed at these centers, making the system far more convenient than store-by-store processing.
Major shopping malls offering instant tax refund (即买即退) services include:
• Beijing SKP
• Wangfujing Department Store
• Yansha Friendship Store
• Capital Outlets
• Scitech Premium Outlet Mall
• Hanguang Department Store
• Grand Pacific Mall
• Dong'an Department Store
Minimum purchase requirement
To qualify for a VAT refund, all of the following conditions must be met:
• Spend at least 200 yuan ($29.50) in a single store on the same day.
• All eligible purchases must be paid for in one transaction at the same participating retailer.
How instant tax refund works
If you shop at a participating mall or visit one of the downtown refund centers, the refund process is quick and straightforward.
1. After making your purchase, request a tax refund service and present your passport.
2. Complete the tax refund application form.
3. Sign the required agreement and authorize a temporary hold on your international credit card as a guarantee.
4. Receive your refund immediately, either in cash or through an Alipay international e-wallet, depending on the available options.
Airport verification before departure
Before leaving China, bring the following to customs:
• The purchased goods
• Tax refund application form
• Original shopping receipts
• Your passport
After customs verifies the documents and goods, the temporary authorization on your credit card will be released, completing the refund process.
Why choose instant tax refund?
Instead of waiting until you reach the airport to receive your refund, you'll have access to your money during your trip, giving you greater flexibility for sightseeing, dining, or additional shopping.
Standard airport tax refund process
If you did not use the Instant Tax Refund service, you can still claim your refund at the airport before departure.
The process consists of two steps:
Customs inspection
• Present your passport, tax refund documents, receipts, and unused purchased goods for inspection.
• Customs will verify the items and stamp the required paperwork.
Refund collection
• Take the customs-approved documents to the tax refund counter located inside the departure area to receive your refund.
Tip: Keep all refund-eligible goods unused and in their original packaging to ensure a smooth customs inspection.
Payment methods accepted in Beijing
Most shopping malls and retailers in Beijing support a wide range of payment methods suitable for international travelers, including:
• Visa
• Mastercard
• American Express
• Digital RMB (e-CNY)
• Chinese yuan (cash)
• International versions of Alipay and WeChat Pay
