December 2025 6 Xi'an marks a retail milestone with Northwest China's first downtown duty-free store, now open near the Ancient City Wall tourist zone. Covering 5,000 sqm, it offers over 10,000 SKUs across beauty, fashion, electronics and local cultural and creative products.
With an eye on younger global travelers and digital nomads, the store blends premium brands with immersive experiences. Visitors can scan interactive QR codes to discover behind-the-scenes stories of terracotta-inspired souvenirs, while a VR tea-picking simulation transports guests to Shaanxi's highland farms.
Inside, local startups and artisans showcase limited-edition items 6from hand-embroidered silk scarves to Terracotta Warrior-themed headphones 6alongside international labels and digital pop-up booths. A rooftop terrace offers 3606 views of the city wall and hosts nightly light shows synced to modern interpretations of Tang Dynasty melodies.
"This new downtown duty-free outlet redefines travel retail in Xi'an, merging global shopping trends with our rich heritage," says CGTN digital reporter Xu Shiqi.
Analysts forecast the store will draw over 1 million visitors in 2026, boosting local tourism revenues and setting a blueprint for other historic cities seeking to fuse retail innovation with cultural storytelling. For young global citizens and business enthusiasts, Xi'an's latest hub offers both discovery and duty-free convenience under one roof.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
