Swipe, Stamp, Refund: Beijing Lu Gets 5-Minute Tax Rebate Hub

Guangzhou’s tax refund game just got a serious upgrade. 

In early September, a brand-new ‘instant refund’ center opened inside GrandBuy Shopping Mall on Beijing Lu, offering international visitors one-stop services to reclaim VAT in under five minutes, no airport queues, no paperwork panic.

This marks Guangzhou’s second centralized refund hub, following the Parc Central's debut back in June. 

The concept is simple.  

Shop at any of the city's 790+ tax-free stores, then head to GrandBuy or Parc Central to get your cash back—fast.

Beijing Lu’s Cultural Core Meets Retail Convenience

Located in the city’s most iconic cultural and shopping hotspot, the GrandBuy is part of a broader push to fuse heritage shopping, trendy local brands, and tourist services into a one-stop experience. 

Visitors can enjoy old-school craftsmanship, cutting-edge design, and citywide tax refunds—all in one stroll.

How It Works

Eligible visitors include: 

• International passport holders

• Residents of Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan with a valid Mainland Travel Permit

• Must have stayed in Chinese mainland for less than 183 days

Refund conditions:

• Departure must be via Guangzhou International Airport or Nansha International Cruise Terminal within 17 days of application

• Minimum purchase per store: RMB200

• Maximum refundable purchase: RMB220,000

• Maximum refund amount: RMB20,000

Steps to claim:

1. Shop at any store displaying the Tax Free logo

2. Bring your passport, VAT invoices, and Departure Tax Refund Application to GrandBuy or Parc Central

3. Sign the Informed Consent Form and provide credit card pre-authorization

4. Receive your refund on the spot

Before departure:

• Present your documents and goods for customs verification

• Use the stamped documents to release the credit card authorization at the refund agency

By shifting the refund process from departure terminals to the shopping floor, Guangzhou is making tax-free shopping smoother than ever.

Refunds on the Rise

Between January and August 2025, Guangzhou processed over 19,000 refund applications, a 322% year-on-year jump. 

GrandBuy alone handled more than 1,500, fueling a 400% surge in related sales.

With more refund centers likely in the pipeline, Guangzhou is fast becoming a passport-powered paradise for savvy shoppers.

READ MORE: New Downtown Duty Free Havens in Guangzhou & Shenzhen

[All images via Guangzhou Daily]