5 cities rise as intl centers for consumption

Policies including instant tax refunds, visa-free transit offer significant boost

China is accelerating the building of five major cities — Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou in Guangdong province, Tianjin and Chongqing — into international consumption centers on a par with global metropolises such as New York, Paris and Tokyo, as part of the country's broader efforts to boost domestic spending.

From the perspective of global standards, international consumption cities are often regarded as "shopping paradises" with advanced commercial facilities and strong purchasing power of consumers, industry insiders said.

Consumption's key role as a driver of economic development has long been a key focus of China's top leadership.