China Shopping Guide 2026: What to Buy & Departure Tax Refund
Shopping in China is an experience in itself — centuries-old crafts, world-famous tea and silk, and bustling markets that feel straight out of a movie. For international visitors, it's also smarter than ever: China runs a nationwide departure tax refund program that can put money back in your pocket on qualifying purchases.
This China shopping guide covers what's genuinely worth buying, where to shop, and exactly how the departure tax refund works — so you shop with confidence and claim back what you're owed.
👉 Want a guide to take you to the best shops and handle the paperwork? Design your private China tour →
Why Shopping in China Is Worth It
- World-famous craftsmanship – China remains the source of the finest silk, tea, porcelain and jade in the world, at far better prices than you'll pay at home.
- Unique souvenirs – Traditional handicrafts, calligraphy and local specialties make memorable gifts you simply can't find elsewhere.
- Tax refunds – Eligible purchases can get back about 9% of what you spend (see below) — shopping pays you back.
- Markets as experiences – From Beijing's night markets to Shanghai's designer malls, shopping streets are a highlight of any visit. Explore the best shopping cities in China →
What to Buy in China: The Best Souvenirs
Not sure what's worth carrying home? These are the classics that travelers consistently love:
- Silk – Hangzhou and Suzhou silk scarves, robes and quilts; look for the pure-silk label.
- Chinese tea – Longjing green tea, Wuyi rock tea, oolong and pu-erh; buy from reputable shops, not street stalls, for quality.
- Porcelain & ceramics – Jingdezhen blue-and-white porcelain and Yixing purple-clay teapots are world-renowned.
- Jade & pearl – Genuine jade carvings and freshwater pearls; always buy from certified jewelers to avoid fakes.
- Calligraphy & painting – Hand-written scrolls, brush sets and traditional ink paintings make elegant gifts.
- Embroidery – Suzhou and Sichuan embroidery pieces, from wall art to small purses.
- Cloisonné (景泰蓝) – Colorful enamelware vases and ornaments from Beijing.
- Traditional clothing – A tailored qipao or embroidered jacket as a unique keepsake.
- Tea snacks & candies – Edible souvenirs like sesame cakes and dried fruits; check customs rules on bringing food home.
Where to Shop in China
- Department stores & malls – Fixed prices, quality guaranteed, and most participate in the tax refund program.
- Designated tax-refund stores – Look for the official "离境退税" (departure tax refund) sign — only purchases here qualify for a refund.
- Specialty markets – Silk markets, pearl markets and craft markets for selection and (gentle) bargaining.
- Night markets & street stalls – Fun for snacks and small trinkets, but cash prices here rarely qualify for tax refunds.
China's Departure Tax Refund, Explained
China's nationwide tax refund lets overseas visitors recover part of the VAT paid on goods bought at designated tax-refund stores. The essentials:
- Refund rate: The VAT refund rate is 11%, minus a 2% handling fee — so you effectively get back about 9% of the purchase price.
- Minimum purchase: Single receipts of ¥500 RMB (about US$70) or more qualify.
- Who qualifies: Non-resident foreign visitors (and Hong Kong, Macau & Taiwan residents) with a passport.
- When: Goods must be carried out of China by the traveler within 90 days of purchase.
- Where: Processed at the customs tax-refund counter at international airports and ports when you depart.
Each city runs the same national program. If you're shopping in Zhangjiajie, the city also publishes a multilingual guide in 17 languages to walk you through it. See the Zhangjiajie tax-free shopping guide →
Step-by-Step Tax Refund Process
- Shop at designated stores – Look for the official tax-refund sign; ask the cashier to confirm.
- Request your refund form – At checkout, present your passport and ask for the tax refund application form.
- Keep receipts & forms together – Hold onto original invoices and completed forms until departure.
- Validate at the airport – Before check-in, bring the goods, receipts, forms and passport to the customs tax-refund counter for verification.
- Collect your refund – Choose cash, card credit or mobile payment (Alipay/WeChat) depending on the counter's options.
Practical Shopping Tips
- Keep your passport handy – It's required both for the refund forms and at the airport counter.
- Bargain at markets, not malls – Haggling is expected at street markets; department stores have fixed prices.
- Pay by card or mobile – Most stores accept international cards and Alipay/WeChat; carry some cash for small stalls.
- Beware of fakes – Buy branded or high-value items (jade, pearls, electronics) only from certified, reputable stores.
- Don't buy restricted items – Antiques of cultural value, ivory and protected wildlife products are illegal to export; when in doubt, ask before buying.
- Pack purchases in carry-on – You may need to show the goods at the airport counter before check-in.
Hungry after shopping? Discover China's regional cuisines to try along the way →
Shop China With a Guide Who Knows the Good Places
Finding quality goods — and the stores where your tax refund actually works — is much easier with local knowledge. Our private guides take you to trusted shops, help you pick authentic products, and handle the refund paperwork so you leave with great souvenirs and money back in your pocket.
Ready to shop your way through China?
🛍️ Design your private China tour with a shopping guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How much tax refund can I get shopping in China?
The refund rate is 11% of the purchase price, minus a 2% handling fee — so you effectively get back about 9%. Purchases must be at designated tax-refund stores, with a minimum single receipt of ¥500 RMB (about US$70).
Do I need to be a tourist to claim a tax refund in China?
Yes. The departure tax refund is available to non-resident foreign visitors (and Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan residents) departing with the goods within 90 days of purchase. You'll need your passport at the store and at the airport counter.
Can I get a tax refund on anything I buy in China?
Only purchases from designated tax-refund stores qualify — look for the official "离境退税" sign. Food, services and items consumed in China don't qualify, and there are minimum purchase amounts per receipt.
Where do I claim the tax refund?
At the customs tax-refund counter at the international airport or port where you depart. Present the goods, original receipts, your refund forms and passport before check-in.
What is the best thing to buy as a souvenir from China?
Tea, silk, porcelain, jade and calligraphy are the classic choices — authentic, beautiful and meaningful. Buy tea, silk and jade from reputable stores to avoid fakes, and keep receipts for your tax refund.
Can a private tour include shopping stops?
Yes. Our guides weave shopping into your itinerary naturally, recommend trusted stores, help you negotiate at markets, and complete the tax refund paperwork correctly the first time. Request a free quote →