Beijing street to be duty-free haven

Store owners hope plan will draw more shoppers to 'Russia Town'

Beijing is considering making a city neighborhood often called "Russia Town" its first downtown duty-free shopping area, following the announcement last week of a 72-hour visa exemption policy for foreign tourists from Jan 1.

The city authorities have revealed plans are afoot to turn Yabao Road - a retail hub that attracts many foreign traders, especially Russians - into a pilot area for outlets offering tax refunds and duty-free shopping.

"Detailed plans will be made early next year regarding the size of shops and how many brands will be covered," said Hong Guangxin, deputy director of the Beijing Chaoyang municipal commission of commerce.

We Recommend:
China in 1942, a real history	'Devil' foreign instructors in China	Beautiful model at Guangzhou Auto Show
Nutritious lunch provided in Taipei	Photos of China 30 years ago	AK-47-equipped teacher creates buzz
Lunch in Beijing's primary schools	Say no to vicious cycle of ugliness appreciation	Challenges remain for smoking ban