An In-store Tax Refund Merchant desk in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/WeChat account: hz-tower]

Foreign travelers shopping in Zhejiang province can now receive tax refunds on the spot, without ever leaving the store.

Announced by the State Taxation Administration on April 8, the new policy allows overseas visitors to receive immediate RMB refunds at eligible stores after making qualifying purchases and completing a credit card pre-authorization.

Zhejiang has already designated 219 stores as In-store Tax Refund Merchants, including 14 founding pilot locations in Hangzhou. The refund network spans major commercial districts across the province, centering on high-traffic areas in Hangzhou.

With China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy gaining traction, cities like Hangzhou are becoming a popular stopover for international tourists — especially those looking to combine sightseeing with luxury shopping.

At Hangzhou International Airport, a digital refund terminal lets departing tourists complete their claim via Alipay. After customs verification, travelers input basic identity info on the app, scan a QR code at the airport terminal, and receive their refund — no paper, no lines, no delays.