This year, Beijing became the first city in China to introduce a service model allowing the processing of tax refund applications citywide in a centralized manner. The first batch of centralized "Instant Refund Service" service spots have been established in the city, enabling overseas travelers to receive tax refunds in advance at any of the service spots with their application forms issued by tax refund stores in Beijing, making the refund process even more convenient.

The first three spots offering centralized "Instant Tax Refund" services in Beijing, located respectively at WF Central, SeasonsPlace and China World Mall, began trial operations on May 15 and will officially open on June 1.

On the first day of trial operation, the first "Instant Tax Refund" transaction was processed at Seasons Place. A foreign traveler purchased a reed diffuser costing CNY 1,494 at Lane Crawford and received a tax refund of CNY 134.46.

In addition, the Beijing Municipal Tax Service also took the lead in raising the cap for the purchased amount for instant departure tax refunds from CNY 50,000 to CNY 220,000, which means that every overseas tourist can instantly receive a tax refund on purchases of no more than CNY 220,000 in the city. This new policy is expected to benefit over 95 percent of travelers applying for departure tax refunds in Beijing, to further release policy effects and boost consumption potential.

(Sources: The Beijing News, official Beijing Daily account of Xicheng District)