Guangzhou is opening its first downtown duty-free store on August 26 in Tianhe District, allowing outbound international travelers to conveniently purchase duty-free goods directly in the city center before their trips.

Guangzhou's first downtown duty-free store at Guangzhou Friendship Store in Tianhe District.

The duty-free store is located on the first floor of the Guangzhou Friendship Store in the Guangzhou International Finance Centre, the heart of Tianhe’s bustling CBD. It is set to become a key landmark in Guangzhou’s effort to establish itself as a global shopping destination.

Unlike traditional duty-free shops at airports, this urban duty-free store brings tax-free shopping directly to the city center.

Any traveler scheduled to depart from China within 60 days via international flights or international cruise ships is eligible (including Chinese citizens) to shop at downtown duty-free stores.

Shoppers place orders in-store and pick up their purchases at designated counters in the restricted port departure zone, such as those at Baiyun International Airport. This creates a seamless shopping experience from pre-departure to post-departure.

Guangzhou's first downtown duty-free store at Guangzhou Friendship Store in Tianhe District.

As one of China’s first eight newly approved downtown duty-free stores, the Guangzhou outlet allows orders for both duty-free and tax-refundable commodities, which range from Chinese labels to imported goods.

The store offers a diverse selection, combining international luxury brands, Chinese heritage names, and trendy local labels, from high-end cosmetics and watches to premium spirits, tech gadgets, and Chinese-chic products.  

Guangzhou's first downtown duty-free store at Guangzhou Friendship Store in Tianhe District.

To enhance the shopping experience, the store will feature immersive themed zones. The duty-free zone offers luxury cosmetics, spirits, watches, jewelry, and electronics. The taxed zones include "Beijing Tongrentang Zhima Health" for innovative wellness experiences, trendy additions like the Chinese-Chic Culture Hall, whiskey bistros, and CareBears collectibles. Tax refund services will be available on-site to handle purchases of taxable goods.

Guangzhou's first downtown duty-free store at Guangzhou Friendship Store in Tianhe District.

To celebrate its launch, the store is rolling out exclusive offers for its first-day buyers on August 26, including discounted duty-free deals and complimentary Michelin-starred dining experiences, luxury hotel stays, and city attraction passes for shoppers who purchase selected items.