CDFG unveils new downtown duty-free store in Shenzhen

An opening ceremony is held to inaugurate the cdf Shenzhen Downtown Duty Free Shop in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong province, Aug. 26, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

China Duty Free Group (CDFG), a subsidiary of China Tourism Group Corporation Limited (CTG), opened a new downtown duty-free store in Shenzhen on Aug. 26, positioning the company at the forefront of China's expansion of duty-free shopping into city centers.

The cdf Shenzhen Downtown Duty Free Shop, a collaborative venture by CDFG with Shenzhen State-Owned Duty Free Commodity Group Co. Ltd. and Shum Yip Holdings Company Limited, is located in the UpperHills commercial complex. The 3,000-square-meter store operates under new government policies allowing downtown duty-free shopping.

In August 2024, five government departments, including the Ministry of Finance, jointly issued a statement on improving downtown duty-free store policies. The Shenzhen store is among the first landmark projects launched under these new regulations.

Unlike traditional airport or border shops, this store allows customers to purchase duty-free goods up to 60 days before their international departure, offering greater convenience and a more extensive product selection.

Fan Yunjun, general manager of China Tourism Group and president of China Duty Free Group, delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the cdf Shenzhen Downtown Duty Free Shop in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong province, Aug. 26, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

At the opening ceremony, Fan Yunjun, general manager of CTG and president of CDFG, said the company would adhere to its mission of serving the nation and the public by supporting the new development pattern. He said the group would leverage its global resources to integrate duty-free retail with culture and tourism to help Shenzhen become an international consumption hub and boost development of the Greater Bay Area.

The store is divided into duty-free and tax-paid sections. The duty-free section offers fragrances, cosmetics, watches, jewelry, alcohol and travel electronics, featuring international and domestic brands like Estee Lauder, La Mer, Clarins, Apple and Moutai.

The tax-paid section includes a trendy toy market, a "China Chic" beauty section, outdoor sports gear, a whisky and watch area, and a traditional Chinese medicine section by historic pharmaceutical company Tong Ren Tang.

Local sci-tech products are displayed in the "Light of Shenzhen" technology experience corridor at the cdf Shenzhen Downtown Duty Free Shop in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong province, Aug. 26, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

The store also hosts a whisky bar and spa area, as well as a "Light of Shenzhen" technology experience corridor showcasing local brands including Huawei, Honor and iFLYTEK. The company describes this as an integrated retail model combining duty-free shopping with experiential and cultural elements, designed to highlight Shenzhen's reputation as a technology and innovation hub.

The shop accepts foreign credit cards and digital yuan while offering what it calls a "cloud tax refund" service — an instant refund system that allows shoppers to receive tax refunds immediately at purchase rather than waiting until departure. CDFG said this approach demonstrates its leadership in industry transformation and meeting diverse consumer needs.

Two international guests try skin care products at the newly opened cdf Shenzhen Downtown Duty Free Shop in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong province, Aug. 26, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

To celebrate its opening, the store is offering significant discounts, with duty-free goods priced up to 25% lower than at tax-paid counters.

An opening ceremony is held to inaugurate the cdf Shenzhen Downtown Duty Free Shop in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong province, Aug. 26, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

CDFG described the cdf Shenzhen Downtown Duty Free Shop as a key project for implementing China's national policies and called it a special gift for the 45th anniversary of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone. The company said the store will help boost regional consumption and promote international cooperation.

The cdf Shenzhen Downtown Duty Free Shop opens in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong province, Aug. 26, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

CDFG said it plans to work with its partners to develop the store into a consumer landmark in Shenzhen, supporting the city's goals of becoming a global consumption center and world-class tourist destination.