Xinjiang’s tourism tax refund program is driving growth in international travel and shopping, local officials confirmed. The Tourism Tax Refund initiative is attracting thousands of visitors to Urumqi Tianshan International Airport, fueling a surge in regional tourism.
From January to October 2025, overseas travelers received over 8 million yuan, about 1.13 million U.S. dollars, in tax refunds. This represents a 26-fold increase compared with the same period in 2024.
Xinjiang welcomed 2.12 million international visitors in the first ten months of 2025, a 6.06 percent year-on-year rise. Authorities credit part of this growth to April policy changes that simplified tax refunds, lowered minimum purchase thresholds, and expanded service channels.
At Urumqi Tianshan International Airport, multilingual signs now guide travelers through the refund process. Refunds can be completed in about two minutes, offering convenience praised by tourists such as Kazakh visitor Azamat Yernar.
The Tourism Tax Refund program now covers twelve categories, including textiles, handicrafts, local foods, and luxury items. Zhang Weijie, deputy director of airport customs, pledged to further enrich product varieties and improve service convenience.
Analysts note that the initiative benefits tourists and local businesses, boosting cross-border spending and supporting regional economic development. It also aligns with national goals to promote cultural tourism.
Authorities plan to expand similar programs to other airports based on visitor demand. They expect that improving refund processes and tourism services will sustain international arrivals and enhance Xinjiang’s travel reputation.
The Tourism Tax Refund program highlights Xinjiang’s efforts to modernize tourism infrastructure while elevating visitor experiences. Officials believe the initiative will strengthen both the regional economy and cultural engagement.
