The Duty-free shops, while under the supervision of customs, will mainly offer duty-free goods for overseas tourists.The beauty of these shops is that the tax is not charged.

Duty-free commodities, because of their competitive prices, have been in existence for a long time in other countries.China started to deal in such goods in March 1980.Now duty-free shops are almost everywhere-airports, ports, train stations, border posts, and tourist cities. All the chain stores are managed by the China Duty-Free Stores Co. The company has trade links with major duty-free exporters around the world.

The China Duty-free Group currently operates a network of 153 duty-free shops in 90 cities and border regions of 24 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions. Annual sales top 200 million U.S. dollars, ranking it among the world's top 20 dealers in duty-free goods.

Foreign exchange in US dollars, Japanese Yen and Hong Kong dollars are accepted at duty-free shops. There are money exchange shops in each store.

The duty-free shops in China sell famous-brand cigarettes, wines, perfumes, cosmetics, pens, watches, candies, food, daily necessities and electronics. Almost all brands can be found, and prices are cheaper than in most Western countries.