Bustling scenes at transport hubs and malls during China's Golden Week
發佈日期: 2025-05-01 19:31
TVB News
On the first day of the Golden Week holidays, many train stations in the mainland were filled with crowds of travellers.
With the recent relaxation of China's sales tax refund policy for overseas tourists, some international travellers said they are planning to spend more.
The travel rush began on the first day of the Golden Week in the mainland. A bustling scene at Shanghai's Hongqiao Railway Station with a peak in passenger flow in the morning.
Authorities expected the national railway would be shuttling 22.5 million passengers on Thursday with more than 1,000 trains in operation.
In Beijing, heavy morning traffic on highways as well. The transportation department estimates that 66.5 million cars will be travelling across the country throughout the day -- more than double the level in regular weekdays.
Authorities said the public's interest to travel is much stronger in this year's Golden Week holiday.
Shopping malls were also busy. In Guangzhou, some malls display notices reminding visitors of the new departure tax measures for foreign tourists.
In the past, foreign tourists had to buy a minimum of 500 yuan to receive a tax refund. Now, the threshold is lowered to 200 yuan. The cash refund limit is increased from 10,000 to 20,000 yuan. The tax rebate rate for tax-refundable items remains at 11 percent.
Currently, 349 shops in Guangzhou's shopping districts allow international tourists to apply for tax rebates on the spot.
MIGUEL, Tourist from Peru: "Souvenirs, clothes, now I'm looking for skincare products for my wife. I'm a bit confused since it's my first time here, but with the news, I can buy more."
PETER, Tourist from Australia: "It makes it more competitive because China cancels tax on goods, it makes people more likely to go shopping."
Hong Kong and Macao residents can also enjoy tax rebates on the spot when purchasing electronic goods.
Some electronics shops said they are anticipating the Golden Week holidays will see more sales among travellers from the SARs.
