Chengdu designates 33 tax rebate stores

A total of 33 tax rebate stores have been allocated around the capital of Southwest China's Sichuan province, Chengdu, as the city gears up for the tax rebate policy beginning Jan 1, 2016.

The city is one of six destinations announced by the Ministry of Finance to implement the tax rebate policy to boost inbound tourism and consumption. Chengdu is the first city in western China to adopt the policy.

Starting Jan 1, 2016, visitors from foreign countries as well as Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan who have lived on the mainland for no more than 183 days can receive a rebate of 11 percent on consumer goods purchased at designated stores, according to an announcement released by the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday.

The minimum purchase to receive a tax rebate is 500 yuan ($77). The refund is valid when the purchase is made 90 days before departure and the product remains unused upon departure.

The 33 tax rebate stores in Chengdu will have international brands and local products on sale. Foreign visitors could apply for the rebate at T1 terminal of Chengdu Shunagliu International Airport, according to the Information Office of Chengdu Municipal Government.

Chen Shian, deputy director of Chengdu Tourism Bureau, said the tax rebate policy will be a strong support for Chengdu to achieve its goal of building itself into a world-class tourist destination and shopping paradise.

The city aims to attract 2.7 million inbound tourists in 2016, increasing 17.3 percent. Tourism revenue is expected to reach 250 billion yuan ($38.5 billion).