Zhoushan opens two tax refund shops

Two tax refund shops recently opened in Putuo district, Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, according to local media reports.

The two shops are operated by Zhejiang Kaihong Group and Zhoushan Shanshan Life Square Co Ltd.

Foreigners or people from Hong Kong, Macao, or Taiwan who have stayed on the Chinese mainland for less than 183 consecutive days will be entitled to a departure tax refund.

According to relevant policies, a tax refund can be obtained if an overseas traveler purchases at least 500 yuan ($72) in tax-refundable articles at the same tax-refund shop in Zhoushan on the same day, the departure date is less than 90 days after the purchase, and the articles are to be carried specifically by the overseas traveler or transported with checked baggage.

Mao Shuang, an employee at Zhejiang Kaihong Group, said that the tax refund shop is an effort by the company to develop Kaihong Square into an international and influential shopping mall.

The departure tax refund policy will help reduce travel and shopping costs for overseas tourists and help local shopping malls expand sales channels.

The two shops were selected by a multidimensional evaluation system instituted by local authorities based on indicators such as tax credit ratings. More similar tax refund shops, including ones for some time-honored brands, will be opened in the district in the future.