BEIJING – Beijing’s two international airports are buzzing not only with passengers but with growing excitement among overseas travellers—thanks to a surge in tax refunds that’s setting new records and making visits to China even more rewarding.
In just the first five months of 2025, travellers leaving China through Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport claimed nearly 478 million yuan (about US$66.5 million) in tax refunds—a staggering 91.6% jump from the same period last year, according to Beijing Customs.
This isn’t just a spike in numbers—it reflects a deeper story of renewed travel confidence and better experiences for visitors. Over 12,000 overseas travellers applied for tax refunds between January and May this year, marking a 147% increase compared to 2024. Daxing Airport alone saw almost 200% growth in refund amounts—totalling more than 72 million yuan.
Much of this surge is linked to the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, which has made China more accessible and appealing to global tourists. That, combined with smoother tax refund processes, is giving international travellers more reasons to shop, explore, and enjoy their stay.
Take the recent Dragon Boat Festival as an example: tax refund applications skyrocketed by 263.8%, and the total refund amount jumped by 130.6% year-on-year. It’s clear that visitors are not just passing through—they’re participating in the economy in meaningful ways.
To meet the growing demand, Beijing Capital Airport has expanded tax refund counters at departure gates, speeding up the process and reducing wait times. And it doesn’t stop there—Beijing Customs is working hand-in-hand with tourism authorities and airport operators to spread awareness through digital media and in-airport messaging, ensuring travellers know exactly how to claim their refunds.
Behind these numbers is a story of China opening its doors wider to the world—and making sure each visitor leaves with more than just memories.
