Pudong welcomes first inbound tourist group this year

Shanghai's Pudong New Area welcomes its first inbound tour group this year on April 18 after China restored group tour services for inbound tourists in late March. [Photo/WeChat account: pdnews]

A total of 20 tourists from Singapore arrived at Bicester Shanghai Village in Shanghai's Pudong New Area on April 18, marking the city's first inbound tour group to arrive in the area after China restored group tour services for inbound tourists in late March. 

Starting from March 31, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism restored group tour services for inbound tourists in an attempt to invigorate the economy and promote exchanges through tourism.

"Today marks the 33rd birthday of the establishment of Pudong New Area. It is my pleasure and honor to visit Pudong on this special day," said one of the participating tourists. He added that he had always wanted to come to Pudong, and upon hearing the news of the resumption of inbound group tours, he signed up for a group trip to East China.

The area's culture, sports and tourism bureau made full preparations to welcome visitors from abroad, with a number of culture and tourism gift packages sent to the tourists.

Tourists can also enjoy faster tax refund services at Bicester Shanghai Village. Currently, about 180 brands in the shopping village can offer tax refund services. Overseas tourists only need to provide shopping receipts and passports, and staff can then fill in the tax refund form for tourists. Following this process, tourists can then go to the airport for tax refund verification.