Xinjiekou business district in Nanjing (Photo/CFP)

Jiangsu is now home to 114 stores where foreign visitors can instantly claim value-added tax (VAT) rebates, a shift from the previous refund-upon-departure model.

The new model allows foreign visitors to receive VAT rebates immediately after completing a credit card pre-authorization, rather than waiting until departure from airports.

When foreign visitors depart, customs will verify their identity and the goods, and the refund agency will lift the pre-authorization after confirming all information.

"Previously, foreign travelers had to queue at airports to process their tax refunds. Now, the process has been moved forward to the shopping stage, saving significant time for the travelers," said Chen Youping, Chief Financial Officer of Wuxi Grand Orient Department Store.

These stores are located across Jiangsu's eight major cities: Nanjing, Nantong, Wuxi, Suzhou, Xuzhou, Yangzhou, Taizhou and Huai'an.

The State Taxation Administration announced that this refund-upon-purchase model will be rolled out nationwide.