On May 17, international visitors from Nepal, Malaysia, Mongolia, and other countries experienced the new "instant tax refund" service at Hongcun village's duty-free store in Yixian county, Huangshan. This pioneering initiative allows tourists to immediately claim VAT refunds upon purchase, significantly enhancing their shopping experience.
The store showcases a wide array of local specialties, particularly agricultural products unique to Huangshan. Malaysian tourist Zunaina said, "This historic village offers incredible cultural immersion. The tax refund service made it so easy to buy souvenirs for my home and office."
To cater to growing inbound tourism, the store supports popular e-payment methods like Alipay and WeChat Pay, which are seamlessly integrated with the tax refund system. Mongolian visitor Jamiyansuren said, "Compared to my previous China trip, this instant refund service makes travel much more enjoyable."
The service not only allows international tourists to appreciate Hongcun's UNESCO-listed architecture but also facilitates cultural exchange through authentic handicraft purchases. Huangshan plans to expand the program by adding more refund stores near Tunxi International Airport and popular destinations, while coordinating customs procedures and promoting the service through travel agencies.
International tourists browse specialties at the duty-free store in Hongcun village. [Photo/Huangshan Daily]