American Tourists' Alipay Spending Surges 200% in China

The "reverse buying" craze, where American consumers travel to China to purchase goods due to the high tariffs imposed on Chinese products in the US, has contributed to this growth. The 240-hour visa-free transit policy, "instant refund" tax refund service upon departure, and the widespread adoption of mobile payments like Alipay have collectively driven the "foreigners coming to China to buy" trend, making it a new norm in cross-border tourism. Data from Alipay reveals that in the first half of April 2025, the consumption amount of inbound tourists using Alipay increased by 1.5 times year-over-year, while the consumption amount of American users using Alipay doubled.

This trend has been further exacerbated by the ongoing trade tensions between China and the US, with American consumers seeking to capitalize on the price differences between Chinese-made goods in China and their US counterparts. The Chinese government's relaxed visa policies, including visa-free travel for certain nationalities, have made it easier for tourists to visit the country. Additionally, the introduction of "buy now, return now" policies, which allow for hassle-free returns and refunds, has increased consumer confidence. The convenience and ubiquity of mobile payment platforms like Alipay have also played a significant role, allowing American tourists to navigate China's cashless economy with ease, even if they don't speak the language or have a Chinese bank account.

According to recent data, the consumption amount of American tourists using Alipay increased by 200% compared to the same period last year, with significant growth concentrated in markets such as Yiwu, Shenzhen Huaqiang North, and Hangzhou Four Seasons Green. The popularity of Chinese tourism and the development of Chinese e-commerce platforms are important drivers of this phenomenon. The "reverse purchasing" trend has become increasingly popular among American tourists, who are traveling to China to purchase goods and products due to the high tariffs imposed on Chinese goods in the US. Many American consumers believe that it is more cost-effective to travel to China and buy products directly, rather than paying high prices for the same products in the US.

The rise of mobile payments, particularly Alipay, has played a crucial role in facilitating this trend. With its user-friendly interface and widespread acceptance, Alipay has become the preferred payment method for many American tourists in China. The Chinese government's efforts to promote tourism and e-commerce, such as the 240-hour visa-free transit policy and the "instant refund" tax refund service, have also contributed to the growth of this trend. As the Chinese government continues to promote tourism and e-commerce, it is likely that this trend will continue to grow, driving increased demand for Chinese goods and products.

The phenomenon of a 200% increase in the amount spent by American tourists using Alipay underscores the allure of the Chinese market and the convenience of traveling in China. This trend is expected to further enhance the convenience of inbound tourism in China and the widespread adoption of mobile payments, while also bolstering the global market share of Chinese-made products. As more international visitors embrace Alipay and other Chinese digital payment platforms, it not only simplifies their shopping and travel experiences but also opens up new avenues for Chinese businesses to cater to a global clientele. This rise in mobile payment usage among American tourists in China signals a significant shift towards greater financial inclusivity and ease of transaction, facilitating smoother cultural and economic exchanges between the two nations. Moreover, it highlights China's growing influence in the global digital payments landscape, potentially paving the way for other countries to explore similar models. The integration of digital payment systems into tourism infrastructure could be a key factor in China's ongoing efforts to boost its tourism industry and expand its economic reach globally.