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“China Travel” becomes even more convenient. The State Taxation Administration recently issued an announcement to expand the “instant tax refund upon purchase” service for departing travelers from pilot areas to the entire country. This means that foreign tourists can now enjoy on-the-spot tax refunds for their shopping nationwide and can continue to use the refunded amount for further spending within China. The “instant tax refund upon purchase” is a streamlined measure within the departure tax refund policy. Simply put, when foreign tourists buy tax-refundable goods at designated “instant refund” stores in regions where the policy is implemented, they only need to provide a credit card pre-authorization as a guarantee to receive the tax refund on the spot. On December 4, 2024, a tourist from Poland takes a photo at Yuyuan Bazaar in Shanghai. As the list of visa-free countries to China continues to expand and improvements are made in areas such as payment, language, and transportation, traveling in China is becoming increasingly convenient—attracting a growing number of international tourists.(Xinhua News Agency, photo by Chen Haoming) This initiative was previously piloted in regions such as Shanghai, Beijing, Guangdong, Sichuan, Zhejiang, and Shenzhen. According to data from the State Taxation Administration, in 2024, the number of foreign tourists claiming departure tax refunds, the sales of tax-refundable goods, and the total amount of tax refunded increased by 2.3 times, 1.2 times, and 1.3 times year-on-year, respectively. A relevant official from the Goods and Services Tax Department of the State Taxation Administration stated that the biggest highlight of the “instant tax refund upon purchase” is that it brings the tax refund process forward—allowing foreign tourists to receive their refunds during the shopping stage. This enables them to more directly experience the benefits of the refund and encourages additional spending after receiving the refund on-site. Unilateral visa-free entry for citizens of 38 countries, extended 240-hour visa-free transit for travelers from 54 countries, and significantly improved payment convenience for foreigners visiting China—all of these factors are helping make “China Travel” a trending phrase globally, attracting a large number of international tourists to China. The nationwide rollout of the “instant tax refund upon purchase” policy comes at just the right time. According to data from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, China’s travel income and expenditure in 2024 amounted to $290.4 billion, a 32% increase compared to 2023 and approximately the same as in 2019. Among this, travel income reached $39.7 billion, showing a 59% growth. Experts believe that the nationwide expansion of this service measure will further stimulate the consumption power of foreign tourists and amplify the economic benefits of tourism for international visitors. This announcement clearly outlines the main details, procedures, and implementation timeline for the “instant tax refund upon purchase” service. It also specifies that tax refund stores wishing to offer the “instant tax refund upon purchase” service can become such stores after reaching an agreement with local tax refund agencies. Currently, tax authorities in several regions have organized training and guidance for local merchants on setting up “instant tax refund upon purchase” stores, as well as on the tax refund process and related matters. This is helping to accelerate the implementation and successful rollout of the “instant tax refund upon purchase” service. Source: Xinhua News Agency

Starting from May 1st, Sichuan Airlines will increase the frequency of its Dubai = Chengdu route to one flight per day!Whether you want to explore the picturesque landscapes of the “Land of Abundance” (Chengdu) or experience the luxurious wonders of the “Desert Miracle” (Dubai), Sichuan Airlines makes your dual-city journey easy and seamless In addition to direct flights from Dubai to Chengdu, Sichuan Airlines also operates a Dubai = Yinchuan route every Thursday, giving you even more travel options Let’s first experience the unique charm of Sichuan together!And travel through magnificent Sichuan and explore the mystical Land of Abundance Relaxing Holiday Journey: Sichuan Airlines Travel through the Land of Abundance, Chengdu,the Liquor City of Luzhou,the First City on the Yangtze River, Yibin,and Mianyang, the City of Science and Technology in China.Experience the diverse cultures of Sichuan’s cities. Chengdu Walk through Kuanzhai Alleys, sipping a bowl of 盖碗茶 (lidded tea) in a courtyard of gray bricks and dark tiles.Stroll through Jinguan Old Town, watching a Sichuan Opera face-changing performance in a quiet, historic street.Visit the Giant Panda Base to see the adorable national treasure up close.Or, explore Qingcheng Mountain, seeking wisdom, and admire the Dujiangyan Irrigation System.And don’t forget to try Chengdu’s famous street snacks for a true culinary adventure Luzhou In southern Sichuan’s Xiao Emei (Little Emei) in Xuyong, Luzhou, the majestic peaks and steep cliffs of Dan Mountain rise into the clouds.Below the mountain, endless terraced fields stretch for miles, creating a breathtaking landscape.It is recognized as one of the 100 most beautiful scenic photography locations in Sichuan. Yibin In the First City on the Yangtze River, explore Lizhuang Ancient Town, a national-level historic and cultural town rich in heritage.Or visit the Shunan Bamboo Sea, where you can marvel at endless bamboo forests and listen to the soothing whispers of rustling bamboo leaves. Mianyang Visit Jiuhuang Mountain to experience the mysterious culture and traditions of the ancient Qiang people.Explore Yuewang Tower, a renowned historic pavilion rich in poetry and literary collections.Travel to the hometown of Li Bai, where the memorial hall houses precious artifacts and rare calligraphy works of the great poet.Discover various architectural sites, sculptures, and stone inscriptions dedicated to Li Bai’s legacy. Snow Mountain & Ice Adventure: Sichuan Airlines When it comes to breathtaking landscapes, you can always trust Sichuan!Plateaus, lakes, grasslands, natural wonders, and cultural heritage—Sichuan has it all to satisfy your wanderlust King Gesar King Gesar is a legendary hero in the hearts of the Tibetan people and a mighty guardian deity in Tibetan Buddhism.When the snow-capped mountains and the illuminated Buddhist stupas shine together,all worldly concerns fade away Jiuzhaigou Jiuzhaigou is famous for its six wonders: alpine lakes, waterfalls, colorful forests, snow-capped peaks, blue ice, and Tibetan culture.It is known as a “fairy-tale world” and proudly holds the title of “King of Waterscapes.” The saying goes: “After visiting Jiuzhaigou, no other waters can compare.”This is a masterpiece of nature, where towering snow peaks, crystal-clear lakes, vibrant waterfalls, rushing torrents, and lush forests create a breathtaking landscape. Want to chase the warm sunshine? In the southwest of Sichuan,you’ll find spring-like sunshine all year round. Warm Sunshine Journey: Sichuan Airlines Xichang Known as the “Little Spring City,” Xichang is blessed with abundant sunshine.Hop on a small boat, feel the gentle breeze caress your face, and watch the golden sunset cast shimmering reflections on the water.As seagulls glide over the waves in the distance, a sense of pure serenity fills the air.

On February 12, to celebrate the 2025 Chinese Spring Festival, the China Cultural Center in the UAE was invited to participate in the 22nd Sharjah Heritage Days. Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi of Sharjah attended the opening ceremony. Ten Chinese films, including My People, My Hometown, were screened during the heritage event, providing an opportunity for the people of Sharjah to understand Chinese culture through cinema. Teachers and students from the Arabic Language Department of Zhejiang Gongshang University set up a Chinese cultural exhibition booth, offering cultural experience activities such as calligraphy, painting, bead crafting, and Chinese folk music, allowing visitors to personally experience the charm of Chinese culture. The theme of this year’s Sharjah Heritage Days is “Roots,” featuring exhibitions of handicrafts, Arabic song and dance performances, traditional farming tools, and fishing net making, showcasing the UAE’s traditional cultural heritage. This year’s Sharjah Heritage Days event begins on February 12 and continues until February 23, with teams from 26 countries and 7 international organizations participating.