Foreign shoppers go through instant tax refund procedures at a shopping mall in Hangzhou. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

Hangzhou's shop-and-refund model is gaining global attention, with overseas influencers and travelers praising the city's instant tax refund system, local media outlets reported.

Under China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy, tourists can now enjoy fast, hassle-free refunds directly via Alipay at over 100 tax refund stores in the city, including top destinations like Intime Department Store and Hangzhou Tower shopping mall.

Foreign shoppers simply provide their credit card details and can receive an 8 to 11 percent tax refund in seconds — no paperwork, no delays. "I just got 500 yuan back — super easy!" said a Vietnamese visitor.

To qualify for tax refunds, overseas shoppers must meet three criteria: stay in China no longer than 183 consecutive days; spend at least 500 yuan ($68.5) at a single store; and take the unused, unopened items out of the country within 90 days.

The system is expanding across tourist hotspots like West Lake and Hefang Street, boosting sales and making Hangzhou a go-to shopping destination. In the first quarter of this year, the city's tax-refunded sales hit 35.1 million yuan, up 55 percent year-on-year. In 2024, sales totaled 110 million yuan, a 130 percent increase over the previous year.

With more specialty shops joining and digital payments simplifying the process, Hangzhou is setting a new standard for tourist-friendly shopping in China.

An introduction to Hangzhou's tax refund policies. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]