The 137th Canton Fair is now in full swing in Guangzhou, followed closely by the May Day holiday. As China expands its "refund-upon-purchase" service for overseas tourists to all provinces and continues the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, Guangzhou is witnessing a surge in inbound tourism.

(Photo: Foreign Affairs Office of Guangzhou Municipal Government)

Under the new refund-upon-purchase policy, foreign visitors can instantly claim value-added tax (VAT) rebates at tax-free stores, enabling them to reuse the refunded amount in real time for further shopping. Additionally, the visa-free transit period at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has been extended from 72 or 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days), offering ample time for foreign travelers to explore Lingnan culture in depth.

As the third pilot city in China to implement the new tax policy, Guangzhou now offers this service at over 300 shopping venues, covering luxury goods, electronics, traditional crafts, and more.

Recommended refund-upon-purchase shopping destinations:

Taikoo Hui Guangzhou (广州太古汇)

As a premier lifestyle hub integrating leisure, business, and culture, Taikoo Hui features global top luxury brands, limited-edition streetwear, and designer collections. Twenty-five stores here serve as the first batch to offer instant in-store tax refunds, including high-end brands like Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Gucci. Items eligible for tax refund mainly include luxury bags, leather goods, apparel, and watches.

(Photo: Guangzhou Tianhe Fabu)

Address: 383 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District (天河区天河路383号)

Guangzhou Friendship Store (广州友谊商店)

Established in 1959, this iconic store has been serving as the "Canton Fair Mini Mart" since the first Canton Fair in 1965, catering to guests' daily needs and gift purchases. Its four branches—located in Huanshi East Road, Grandview Mall, Times Square, and Binjiang East Road, respectively—all provide tax refund services. During the Canton Fair, foreign visitors with exhibitor passes can enjoy exclusive discounts.

(Photo: Lingnan Group)

Address: 369 Huanshi East Road, Yuexiu District (越秀区环市东路369号)

Teemall (粤海天河城)

All outlets under Teemall are part of Guangzhou's "refund-upon-purchase" network. International shoppers here can use cash, credit cards, or mobile payments seamlessly across multiple stores at the Teemall.

(Photo: Guangzhou Tianhe Fabu)

Address: 208 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District (天河区天河路208号)

LN Garden Hotel Guangzhou (广州花园酒店)

As South China's only Platinum 5-Star hotel, LN Garden Hotel Guangzhou offers a full range of services including dining, shopping, exhibitions, and garden views. It houses China's first museum dedicated to the hospitality industry, while featuring supporting facilities for archival research, academic displays, study tour experience, cultural creative products and light catering. It is a perfect spot for foreign guests to explore the hospitality industry in Guangzhou's thousand-year history as a commercial hub.

(Photo: LN Garden Hotel Guangzhou)

Address: 368 Huanshi East Road, Yuexiu District (越秀区环市东路368号)