Overseas tourists in China are embracing the country's ample shopping opportunities, convenient payment technology and instant tax refunds for travelers.
Just a few months after "China Travel" emerged as a trending topic on social media sites amid the country's expanding visa-free policies, discussions of "China Shopping" have taken off as travelers discover the enormous availability of high-quality, fairly-priced made-in-China products.
From food and clothing to smartphones and drones, foreign visitors are discovering that China is a shopping paradise, especially in coastal cities such as Shanghai and Guangdong.
"WWe're from Italy. We came here for vacation. We are sisters. We bought some tea and t-shirts. Just souvenirs for friends and family," said a tourist.
"We are from Munich, Germany. We bought a lot of clothes, jewelry, and also skin care products," said another traveller.
"I just bought two pairs of shoes. My friends said to me next time when I come to China, I should take my luggage empty and buy lots of things for them," said a tourist named Azeem from Saudi Arabia
Official data shows inbound tourists spent over 94 billion US dollars last year, up over 77 percent year on year.
With convenient mobile payments available and the new refund-upon-purchase policy, international visitors are finding their shopping experience more convenient and rewarding.
Under the new policy, foreign visitors can instantly claim value-added tax (VAT) rebates at tax-free stores, enabling them to reuse the refunded amount in real time for further shopping. Previously, VAT rebates were only available for withdrawal upon departure.
"They give some of your money back. It makes you so happy that you want to buy more," said a foreign tourist.
Others were impressed with China's ubiquitous QR code-based payment options.
"The QR code, it's so simple, it's really, really effective. (I used) a little bit of cash here and there, but it's very convenient," said another overseas traveler.
China announced on Thursday that it will extend its visa-free policy to nationals of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay starting from June 1 this year, with a trial period until May 31, 2026.
The visa policy and tourist-friendly services have also fueled a shopping frenzy among Chinese products with emerging technologies.
"I love intelligent products that are made in China, it's so convenient to find them here. The quality, the production value, the price, it's a great deal. And we love learning and finding the new products that are made, it's so exciting," said a foreign visitor.
"China Shopping" craze emerges as travelers discover abundance of quality products
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
