Shinan district, Qingdao, has transformed inbound tourism into consumption growth by implementing the "immediate tax refund upon purchase" policy. Since the State Taxation Administration rolled out this measure nationwide in April, Shinan has optimized procedures and upgraded services, making tax refunds more convenient for international visitors.

At Qingdao Hisense Plaza, a South Korean tourist purchased a bag worth 23,000 yuan ($3253) and received a tax refund of 2,070 yuan on the spot. During the 2025 National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, tax refunds at Hisense Plaza increased by 143 percent year-on-year.

Hisense Plaza has partnered with Ant International to introduce Alipay+, becoming Shandong's first "inbound payment-friendly" mall. Foreign customers can use familiar e-wallets for QR code payments. In September 2025, Hisense Plaza became Shandong's first American Express Acceptance Demonstration Zone.

International visitors can process tax refunds at Hisense Plaza's 5th-floor customer service center, enjoying up to a 9 percent refund with a maximum of 20,000 yuan. These initiatives enhance the shopping experience for international consumers and support Qingdao's efforts to optimize payment services and innovate inbound tourism consumption.