Foreign visitors fall in love with shopping in Xiamen. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]

A new China-related buzzword has recently been making the rounds on overseas social media: "China Haul". The term refers to videos in which creators unbox and showcase products purchased in China. 

These days, foreign tourists are arriving with empty suitcases and leaving with them packed full of Chinese-made goods, and their shopping lists just keep getting longer. Xiamen is now emerging as a new destination of choice for overseas visitors looking to travel and shop.

Smart tax refunds, easy shopping

"It's so convenient. Xiamen's tax refund experience really stood out. A single machine lets you process multiple tax refunds for all your purchases at once — it's as quick and easy as withdrawing cash from an ATM," said a foreign tourist after using the self-service tax refund system.

With smart self-service machines, visitors can now process tax refunds for purchases from multiple stores through a centralized, one-stop system, significantly reducing processing times and making shopping more convenient for overseas visitors.

A smart self-service machine for tax refund in downtown Xiamen. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]

One-stop shopping, hassle-free refunds

Xiamen's downtown duty-free store has pioneered a three-dimensional business model that integrates duty-free, duty-paid, and tax refund shopping; imported and domestic products; and online and offline sales.

On the duty-free side, the store brings together a wide range of internationally renowned brands and allows Chinese and foreign travelers departing from Xiamen Airport within 60 days to purchase items downtown and collect them at the airport before departure.

On the duty-paid side, the store offers a range of popular Chinese brands, local souvenirs, and fine wines and spirits. Overseas visitors who spend at least 200 yuan ($29.84) on eligible goods can receive an instant tax refund upon departure, with refunds processed in as little as five minutes.

The store has fully implemented a new tax refund model featuring "one receipt, one package, one code," allowing sealed goods to clear customs without being opened and enabling hassle-free clearance by simply scanning a code. Refunds can also be completed at other departure points within 28 days.

Xiamen's downtown duty-free store brings together a wide range of internationally renowned brands. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]

New duty-free shops, global travelers welcome

This year, new arrival duty-free shops are being set up at 41 ports across China, including Xiamen Xiang'an International Airport, Xiamen Wutong Passenger Wharf, and Xiamen International Cruise Center, ready to welcome travelers from around the world.