An overseas traveler completes departure tax refund procedures at Hangzhou International Airport. [Photo/Tide News]

Departure tax refunds at Hangzhou International Airport surged in the first seven months of 2026 as China's inbound tourism continued to gain momentum, local media outlets reported.

Hangzhou International Airport Customs processed 8,401 departure tax refund applications involving purchases worth 111 million yuan ($16.5 million) from January to July, up 316.5 percent and 36.3 percent year-on-year, respectively.

The growth accelerated after new departure tax refund measures took effect on July 1. In July alone, 1,267 applications covering 18.84 million yuan in purchases were processed, with the monthly value reaching a yearly high.

The new measures also allow eligible purchases made elsewhere to be handled at Hangzhou airport. Paperless processing and streamlined inspections have further shortened the procedure for overseas visitors.

Meanwhile, the airport handled more than 3 million inbound and outbound passenger trips in the first seven months, amid growing summer travel demand.

Hangzhou International Airport handles more than 3 million inbound and outbound passenger trips in the first seven months of 2026. [Photo/Hangzhou International Airport]