Shenzhen's first duty-free shop in downtown opened Aug. 26 at the UpperHills shopping mall in Futian District. The 3,000-square-meter store boasts a wide array of merchandise, including beauty and skincare products, watches and jewelry, liquors and spirits, fashion items, and electronics.

The downtown duty-free shop is located at the UpperHills shopping mall. File photo

In addition to global luxury brands, the store features time-honored Chinese brands with intangible cultural heritage credentials and high-quality tech products made in Shenzhen.

The shop serves travelers (including, but not limited to, Chinese nationals) who are departing from China via the Shenzhen airport within 60 days.

Travelers can make purchases at the shop in advance and pick up their goods at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport on their day of departure. Duty-free items in the shop are priced 11-25% lower than regular retail prices.

In addition to the duty-free shopping zone, there is also a duty-paid area where tax-refund services are provided to accommodate a wider range of customers and experience zones where customers can try on newest tech products, enjoy traditional Chinese brand tea, drinks, and whiskey drinks.

Metro: Line 10 to Donggualing Station (冬瓜嶺站), Exit E

Q&A about shopping at downtown duty-free store

Q: Are duty-free products only available to those departing China?

A: Yes. Duty-free products are sold to passengers with valid documents who are scheduled to depart within 60 days via air transport or international cruise (including but not limited to Chinese nationals) and have already purchased outbound tickets or international cruise tickets.

Q: What documents are required to purchase duty-free products?

A: You need to bring valid documents, such as a passport, Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents, or Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents, along with proof of purchased outbound tickets or international cruise tickets.

Q: Can I purchase duty-free products and pick them up if I depart via Shekou Cruise Homeport?

A: According to the policy, passengers departing via international cruise within 60 days (including but not limited to Chinese nationals) who have already purchased international cruise tickets are eligible to buy duty-free products and pick them up at the cruise port. However, the pickup point at Shekou Cruise Homeport is expected to be set up by the end of the year. Currently, pickup is only available at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport.

Q: If I fly from Shenzhen airport to Shanghai and then take an international flight from Shanghai, can I purchase duty-free products?

A: No. Only passengers departing via international flights directly from Shenzhen airport within 60 days are eligible.

Q: Can I take duty-free products with me immediately after purchase?

A: No. Duty-free products follow a “pay in-store, pick up at the airport” process. Pre-purchased products will be delivered to pickup points at the Shenzhen airport. On your departure day, you can collect them by showing relevant documents and proof at the pickup point. Purchases must be made at least 24 hours in advance. However, taxed products can be taken away immediately.

Q: If I purchase duty-free products but cancel my outbound plan, can I still pick them up or get a refund?

A: If your outbound trip is canceled, you cannot pick up the products at the airport. In this case, you can contact the store for a refund. The refund will be issued to the original payment method. If you pay in cash and cannot come to the store for a refund, you will need to provide bank account details for an online refund.

Q: Where do I pick up duty-free products? Can I pick them up when returning to China after my outbound trip?

A: The pickup point is at Shenzhen Airport T3 International Departure Lounge, located after security checks between the airport duty-free shop and Starbucks. Products can only be picked up during departure.

Q: Can I shop at the store if I am not departing the country?

A: Of course. In addition to duty-free products, there are also taxed products. If you have no outbound plans, you can purchase taxed products.