The 15th Guangzhou International Shopping Festival is set to kick off on Sept 23 at ICC Mall in Tianhe, with the district hosting the main venue for the 15th consecutive year.

This year's festival, running until December, will feature over 150 consumer-themed events, further cementing its role as a major city-level consumption event.

Guangzhou's status as an international shopping destination is clear, with retail sales surpassing 577 billion yuan ($86 billion) in the first half of the year, marking a 2.9 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Tianhe district alone accounted for about 113 billion yuan, a rise of 4.9 percent year-on-year.

The city is enhancing its appeal to inbound consumers, with over 1,850 duty-free stores and a significant rise in tax refund claims. Tianhe district, in particular, stands out with its efficient tax refund services, offering a seamless shopping experience for international visitors.

Tax refund services for international visitors in Tianhe. [Photo/WeChat account: tianhefabu]

Guangzhou keeps drawing high-end brands, with more than 180 new flagship stores opening in the second quarter. As the city improves its international consumer scene, Tianhe continues to lead, highlighting Guangzhou's vibrant mix of global and local commerce.

A poster of the 2026 Guangzhou International Shopping Festival. [Photo/WeChat account: tianhefabu]