Guangzhou & Shenzhen Launch First Downtown Duty-Free Stores

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Guangzhou and Shenzhen, two major cities in southern China’s Guangdong province, have launched their first downtown duty-free stores, providing shoppers with a more convenient retail experience.

The newly opened store in Guangzhou offers a wide range of both tax-free and taxable goods from domestic and imported brands. It is a collaborative effort involving China Duty Free Group, local subsidiaries of Lingnan Group — Guangzhou Grandbuy and Guangzhou Lingnan Group Holdings — along with Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.

This duty-free section features international beauty brands, premium spirits, high-end watches and jewelry, electronics, and travel accessories. To shop in this section, customers need to present valid ID and proof of departure within 60 days for an international destination via plane or cruise.

Similarly, Shenzhen’s duty-free store, which opened on the same day, spans nearly 3,000 square meters and offers products across beauty and skincare, watches and jewelry, luxury liquors, local boutique brands, and electronics. It is a joint venture between CDFG, Shenzhen Duty Free Group, and Shenzhen Industrial Group.

The move to establish downtown duty-free stores reflects a growing trend. Last September, eight Chinese cities—Changsha, Chengdu, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Wuhan, and Xi’an—received approval to open their own downtown duty-free outlets.

In addition, 12 foreign exchange and duty-free stores in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai have been approved to be transformed into downtown duty-free retail spaces.

Compared to port, offshore, or transportation-based duty-free shops, these downtown locations offer the convenience of more flexible shopping hours and easier access. Experts say they can help revitalize local economies, encourage longer tourist stays, and stimulate growth in surrounding commercial districts.

However, there’s still room for improvement in the shopping experience. Currently, Guangzhou’s store only allows product pick-up at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, and Shenzhen’s store provides duty-free goods exclusively for travelers departing by plane.

Consumers are calling for more adaptable options, including multiple pickup locations within the city, cross-city pickup, or even delivery services across cities.