A growing number of international tourists are visiting China with empty suitcases, eager to take advantage of the country's unparalleled shopping experience. In the first seven months of 2026, foreign visitors spent 263.6 billion yuan, approximately $39 billion, in China, marking a 27.8% increase from the previous year. This trend, dubbed "China Haul," has become a buzzworthy phenomenon on social media platforms worldwide.
Shenzhen, a thriving tech hub in southern China, is a major draw for foreign visitors. The city is home to Huaqiangbei, a mega electronics marketplace that attracts an average of 8,000 foreign buyers daily. Sales of artificial intelligence products have surged over 55% in the area, with AI glasses sales doubling and drone and robot sales climbing 60-70%. Local businesses report that foreign tourists contribute significantly to their sales, with some stores attributing up to 40% of their revenue to international customers.
Chinese snacks are also proving to be a hit with foreign tourists. In Changsha, capital of Hunan Province, a specialty store called Snack Kingdom offers over 35,000 types of snacks, attracting visitors from around the world. Tanzanian tourist Shija Theodora Desderi praises the variety and quality of Chinese snacks, describing them as refreshing and organic. Russian tourist Ivan also visits the store, drawn by the vast selection of products.
The appeal of Chinese products extends beyond snacks and tech gadgets. Mok Jin Jin from Malaysia says her mother loves a Chinese-made blender, which features a one-touch automatic cleaning function. Carlos Alvarado, an international student from Guatemala, praises the competitively priced and trendy designs of Chinese products, from clothes to daily necessities.
Favorable policies, such as visa-free policies and departure tax refunds, have further boosted the shopping frenzy in China. Official data shows that foreign nationals made almost 61.29 million border crossings in the January-August period of 2026, up 19.5% from the previous year. Visa-free entries accounted for 23.72 million of the total, an increase of 26.8% compared with 2025.
The convenience of mobile payments in China also contributes to the "China Haul" trend. International student Roger Matute from Honduras rarely uses cash, instead relying on WeChat or Alipay apps to make payments. A range of favorable conditions, including tax refunds, mobile payments, and visa-free policies, have systematically reduced the cost of cross-border consumer transactions.
Experts attribute the "China Haul" trend to a shift in the consumption logic of overseas tourists, who are moving from purchasing foreign cultural symbols to buying Chinese technologies, designs, and consumption experiences. The trend is underpinned by the upgrading of China's manufacturing and cultural and creative industries, marking a substantial transition from exporting production capacity to exporting brands and lifestyles.
Key points
- Foreign visitors spent $39 billion in China in the first seven months of 2026.
- Shenzhen's tech products and Chinese snacks are major draws for international tourists.
- Favorable policies, including visa-free policies and tax refunds, have boosted the shopping frenzy in China.
