Guangzhou welcomes first downtown duty-free shop

A lion dance is performed at the opening of Guangzhou's first downtown duty-free shop in south China's Guangdong province, Aug. 26, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Guangzhou opened its first downtown duty-free shop on Aug. 26, marking a significant step in the city's efforts to become a global consumption hub.

The opening ceremony drew city officials, business leaders and media representatives. Attendees included Guangzhou Mayor Sun Zhiyang and Liu Kun, vice general manager of China Tourism Group (CTG) and vice president of China Duty Free Group (CDFG).

Officials attend an opening ceremony for Guangzhou's first downtown duty-free shop in south China's Guangdong province, Aug. 26, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

The cdf Guangzhou Downtown Duty Free Shop is a joint venture between CDFG, Guangzhou Grandbuy Co. Ltd., Guangzhou Lingnan Group Holdings Co. Ltd. and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. It operates under new policies for downtown duty-free shops that five government departments, including the Ministry of Finance, released in August 2024.

The store functions as both a traditional duty-free shop for travelers and a regular retail store for locals, selling everything from cosmetics and handbags to jewelry and premium alcohol. International customers can shop downtown and pick up their duty-free items at the airport.

The duty-free section of the newly opened cdf Guangzhou Downtown Duty Free Shop in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong province, Aug. 26, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Products are displayed in the duty-free section of the newly opened cdf Guangzhou Downtown Duty Free Shop in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong province, Aug. 26, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Customers shop at the newly opened cdf Guangzhou Downtown Duty Free Shop in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong province, Aug. 26, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

A customer speaks with a sales associate at the newly opened cdf Guangzhou Downtown Duty Free Shop in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong province, Aug. 26, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

The store drew eager customers on its opening day with promotions and steep discounts on selected items, plus incentives for new and existing members. Shopper Waleed described his experience as "very smooth" and called the opening promotions "very attractive."

To attract more shoppers, the store has partnered with hotels and travel agencies to offer combined packages. Customers who spend above a certain threshold can receive hotel vouchers, a strategy aimed at boosting both retail and tourism.

The cdf Guangzhou Downtown Duty Free Shop is located within the Guangzhou Friendship Store in the city's central business district near the Canton Tower and is easily accessible to local residents and international tourists.

The interior incorporates elements reflecting Guangzhou's "City of Flowers" nickname, with artistic displays at the entrance and a central area showcasing local culture and traditional Chinese brands.

The "China Chic" themed area is shown at the tax-paid section of the newly opened cdf Guangzhou Downtown Duty Free Shop in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong province, Aug. 26, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

"China Chic" products are displayed at the tax-paid section of the newly opened cdf Guangzhou Downtown Duty Free Shop in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong province, Aug. 26, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

The tax-paid section features a "China Chic" area showcasing brands that blend traditional Cantonese craftsmanship, including Canton enamel, with contemporary design, enabling visitors to purchase distinctive cultural souvenirs. The store seeks to establish a new tourism retail model by combining shopping with cultural experiences.

Unlike traditional duty-free shops, the cdf Guangzhou Downtown Duty Free Shop allows customers to buy tax-paid items without departure permits, while international travelers can receive instant tax refunds on eligible purchases.