Shenzhen authorities on June 27 designated Futian and Shenzhen Bay checkpoints as new land-based duty-free ports for outbound travelers. This expansion brings the total number of duty-free ports in the tech hub to five, including the previously operational Wenjindu Checkpoint, Bao’an International Airport, and Shekou Cruise Terminal. With this development, Shenzhen has now become the city with the highest number of outbound tax refund ports, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing cross-border tourism services.

Customs officers work at the outbound tax refund service desk at the Shenzhen Bay checkpoint on June 27.

Ms. Kwan, a Hong Kong resident, became the first traveler to claim an outbound tax refund at the Futian Checkpoint on June 27. She bought an Apple laptop priced at over 19,000 yuan (US$2,650) at the MixC in Luohu District.“It’s convenient, and with good customer service,” Kwan said in an interview. “Today was the first time I discovered the tax refund service available at this spot. I grabbed the chance right away. It’s an honor to be the first applicant today.”

A Hong Kong resident receives an outbound tax refund at the Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint on June 27.

“With the addition of Futian and Shenzhen Bay checkpoints to the existing outbound tax refund service at Wenjindu Checkpoint, travelers can now complete tax refunds through three land-based ports across eastern, central, and western Shenzhen,” said Yang Jiangtao, deputy director-general of the Finance Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality.“This expansion provides more options, faster processing, and an enhanced experience for travelers,” he noted, adding that it will further unleash the potential of the Futian CBD, Houhai, and Shenzhen Bay commercial districts, and inject new momentum into inbound tourism and consumer spending. 

A traveler reads an English-language guide on the departure tax refund process at the Shenzhen Bay checkpoint on June 27. 

The Wenjindu Checkpoint launched departure tax refund service Dec. 16, 2024. According to official statistics, as of June 19, the checkpoint had processed a cumulative total of 250 million yuan in outbound tax refundable purchases and served over 5,000 travelers.