Wang Jingli wangjingli0715@163.com SHENZHEN’S first downtown duty-free shop opened yesterday on the ground floor of Futian District’s UpperHills shopping mall. The 3,000-square-meter store boasts a wide array of merchandise, including beauty and skincare products, watches and jewelry, luxury liquors and high-end spirits, fashion items, and electronics. In addition to global luxury brands, the store features time-honored Chinese brands with intangible cultural heritage credentials and high-quality tech products made in Shenzhen. According to Zhang Haitao, general manager of the duty-free shop, one of its most prominent features is its location in downtown Shenzhen. “In the past, travelers had to wait until they reached the airport to make duty-free purchases. Now, they have more options and ample time to explore and select a wider range of products downtown,” said Zhang. The downtown duty-free shop serves travelers (including, but not limited to, Chinese nationals) who are departing from China via the Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport within 60 days. Travelers can make purchases at the shop in advance and pick up their goods at the airport on their day of departure. In the future, travelers will also be able to pick up their pre-purchased products when departing from Shekou Cruise Homeport. Vadim Shtreker, a Russian tourist who arrived in Shenzhen yesterday, happened to come across the store and was looking at watches. “I’m just walking around randomly and checking out the products. This is a nice shop with many different brands. I’d recommend visiting,” said Shtreker. Duty-free items in the shop are priced 11–25% lower than regular retail prices. In addition to the duty-free shopping zone, there is also a duty-paid area where tax-refund services are provided to accommodate a wider range of customers. Yesterday, a Chinese citizen surnamed Liao purchased a massage gun. Liao will take a flight to Bangkok, Thailand, today.“The original price was 300 yuan [US$41.88], but I got a 200-yuan discount, so I only paid 100 yuan. It’s very cheap, and it’ll be convenient to pick it up at the airport tomorrow,” said Liao. Until Sept. 30, the shop is offering generous coupons and promotional activities. What to Know Metro: Line 10 to Donggualing Station (冬瓜嶺站), Exit E Tips: Travelers need to present their passports and outbound flight tickets to make duty-free purchases at the store. All purchases must be made at least 24 hours before the departure date to ensure that products are transported to the airport on time. Pick-up point: East-wing corridor of the T3 International Departure Lounge, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport. | 