"Going to China with an Empty Suitcase"... What Is the "China Haul" Trend Captivating Foreign Tourists?

TikTok sees a surge in videos showing off China shopping hauls
From AI glasses and drones to Chinese fashion and cosmetics, all are proving popular

Among foreign tourists visiting China, the so-called "China haul"—arriving with empty suitcases and returning with them filled with local products—is emerging as a new travel trend.

Content showing people unboxing products they bought across China and packed into their suitcases. Screenshot from Instagram.

According to People's Daily Online on October 19, content about "China hauls," in which travelers showcase products they bought during trips to China and share shopping tips, has recently gained popularity on social media platforms such as TikTok.

A video by food-focused account "Oh Yummy," which visited a snack shop in Changsha, Hunan Province, and called China a "snack paradise," has surpassed 3 million views. More recently, shopping lists have expanded beyond snacks and traditional souvenirs to include high-tech electronics such as drones, foldable phones and artificial intelligence (AI) glasses.

Foreign tourists' shopping choices are also diversifying rapidly. AI glasses and electronics are popular in Shenzhen; clothing and cosmetics from Chinese brands are drawing interest in Shanghai; and cultural products such as traditional embroidered fans and scented sachets are popular in Suzhou.

Arrive With Empty Suitcases, Leave With Them Full

As tourists expect to accumulate more belongings during their stay, advice has even emerged among foreign visitors: "Bring an extra suitcase when you go to China."

Videos found by searching "China haul." Travelers unpack a suitcase full of items after returning from a trip to China and introduce the products. Screenshot from TikTok.

Shopping for high-tech electronics is particularly prominent. An average of about 8,000 foreign buyers a day have visited Shenzhen's Huaqiangbei area this year. As of July, AI-related products accounted for 61% of the area's electronics, up sharply from 41% last year. Sales of AI products rose by more than 55% year over year, while sales of AI glasses doubled and sales of drones and robots increased by 60% to 70%, according to compiled figures.

Interest in local Chinese brands is also growing. Foreigners account for 30% of visitors to Shanghai footwear brand PANE's stores and 35% of its sales. Overseas markets also accounted for more than 40% of Chinese character merchandise company POP MART's revenue last year.

Expanded Visa-Free Entry and Tax Refunds Also Play a Part

People's Daily Online cited the expansion of visa-free entry to China and improvements to the tax refund system for foreign visitors as factors behind the spread of the "China haul" trend.

Foreign tourists look around Central Street in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China, on July 22, 2026. Xinhua News Agency.

According to China's National Immigration Administration, 22,914,000 foreign nationals entered China in the first half of this year, up 20.4% from the same period last year. Of these, 77.7% entered visa-free.

The number of foreign tourists who applied for tax refunds when leaving China rose by 366% year over year. Sales of goods eligible for tax refunds and the actual amount refunded each increased by 69%.

In May, China revised its tax refund scheme for departing travelers, extending the period for claiming an "instant refund upon purchase" to up to 28 days before departure and strengthening cross-regional information sharing as well as contactless and electronic procedures.

People's Daily Online analyzed that foreign tourists' reasons for shopping in China have shifted from "because prices are low" to "because the quality and design are good." Shopping lists that once centered on tea, silk and panda dolls are now expanding to include AI glasses, clothing from Chinese brands and cosmetics.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.