CHINA. Zhuhai Duty Free Group (ZDFG) has secured the arrivals duty-free concession at Manzhouli Highway Port in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
The contract complements the company’s existing departures duty-free operation at Ordos Ejin Horo International Airport, which it has managed since August 2024.
The combined portfolio reflects ZDFG’s growing presence across multiple travel channels in the region, extending its reach from airports to land ports and across both departures and arrivals duty-free retail.
The expansion also strengthens the travel retail infrastructure at northern border gateways, while creating new opportunities to stimulate duty-free spending in border-port locations.
Located on the northeast side of the passenger inspection clearance building’s third floor, the upcoming 330sq m outlet will further enhance the commercial support facilities at Manzhouli Highway Port and offer cross-border travellers a more convenient, diversified duty-free shopping experience.
As a strategic gateway at the forefront of China’s northward opening-up, Manzhouli Highway Port serves as a vital gateway for cross-border travel and tourism between China and Russia.
The port also stands to benefit from the China (Inner Mongolia) Pilot Free Trade Zone, which brings the Manzhouli area under the Pilot Free Trade Zone framework.
Established to deepen reform and foster high-quality development, the zone prioritises the growth of port-related services, cross-border tourism and other key industries.
Alongside favourable policies, continuous upgrades of clearance hardware and service capabilities have created a solid foundation for duty-free retail.
Manzhouli Highway Port in particular has accelerated its smart port development in recent years, doubling its passenger inspection capacity from six entry and six exit lanes to 12 each.
Additional enhancements include smart health inspection and other advanced inspection facilities, simplifying passenger clearance.
Manzhouli Port continues to record strong passenger growth, supported by streamlined clearance procedures and the China-Russia mutual visa exemption policy.
Official data indicate inbound and outbound passenger traffic reached 446,000 by 10 June, a +50.6% year-on-year rise. Notably, Chinese cross-border day-trip travellers accounted for over half of the total passenger volume.
ZDFG is also tapping into the growing trend of same-day China-Russia cross-border travel, which is emerging as a key driver of tourism growth and duty-free consumption along the border.
The latest win continues ZDFG’s expansion momentum in 2026. Since the beginning of the year, the company has secured duty-free operating rights at Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport, Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, Nanning Wuxu International Airport and Hengqin Port, further extending its footprint across key gateways in South China.
The expansion into Manzhouli fills a strategic gap in the company’s northern border-port network, strengthening its geographic footprint and service offering.
Looking ahead, Zhuhai Duty Free noted it plans to leverage Manzhouli’s strategic position and free trade policy benefits to develop a high-quality retail operation and enhance its merchandise and service capabilities.
The retailer also highlighted its support for the continued development of border-port commerce as China expands cross-border connectivity and economic openness. ✈
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