Two international passengers claim tax refunds at Hangzhou International Airport. [Photo/Hangzhou Customs]

Hangzhou International Airport has implemented China's upgraded departure tax refund 2.0 policy, offering faster and more convenient services for overseas visitors.

Under the new measures, claims worth less than 10,000 yuan ($1,473) are subject to random inspections, meaning most travelers no longer need to present purchased goods for customs checks. A paperless processing system also allows customs officers to retrieve transaction information electronically, significantly reducing processing time.

"I didn't even have to unpack my gifts or look for paper receipts. The whole process took just a few minutes," said an Indonesian traveler who completed his refund on the first day of the new policy after purchasing a backpack and perfume in Hangzhou.

The upgraded policy also extends the departure deadline for tax refunds to 28 days and enables cross-regional recognition of the instant tax refund service, making tax refunds more convenient for travelers visiting multiple destinations across China.

The simplified procedures come amid booming inbound tourism. In the first half of 2026, Hangzhou International Airport processed 7,134 applications, with total refunds reaching 11.41 million yuan, up 340.4 percent and 35.7 percent year-on-year, respectively.

To meet the growing demand, Hangzhou has introduced digital services including online pre-screening, self-service kiosks and AI-powered assistance, aiming to deliver a seamless shopping and travel experience while boosting inbound consumption.

International tourists experience traditional culture in Hangzhou. [Photo/WeChat account: dskbdskb]