China has expanded its departure tax refund program to over 7,200 stores — an 80% increase since the end of 2024 — aiming to attract more international tourists and stimulate domestic consumption. According to the Ministry of Commerce, the total refund amount nearly doubled YoY in H1 2025. Policy changes introduced in April include lowering the minimum purchase threshold for refunds to 200 RMB ($27.80) per store per day and raising the cash refund cap to 20,000 RMB ($2,780). Refunds can now be issued via cash, bank, or mobile payment.