A foreign visitor shakes hands with a humanoid robot developed by Unitree Robotics. [Photo provided to ehangzhou.gov.cn]

Hangzhou unveiled a futuristic twist to its cultural offerings on China Tourism Day on May 19, with the launch of the Hangzhou Product Zone and the promotion of its instant tax refund policy for departing tourists.

Held at Hangzhou Tower, a top-notch shopping mall in Hangzhou, the event showcased high-tech innovations branded as the city's new cyber specialties, blending technology with tourism.

Replacing traditional items like silk and tea, the new lineup features wearable exoskeletons, emotion-sensing AI robots, AR glasses, and flying cameras. International students and tourists, including groups from France and Germany, eagerly explored the high-tech exhibits. "I can really feel how it's helping me to move," said Xu Lang, a student from France, after trying a hip exoskeleton designed for hiking.

The 120-square-meter experience zone, located in the former gift card center, now serves as a hub for visitors to test and purchase smart gadgets. A special counter across the hall enables overseas shoppers to receive VAT refunds on the spot — either in cash or via Alipay — making Hangzhou the first city in China to support digital tax refunds.

As of April, Hangzhou reported a 70.37 percent year-on-year increase in duty-free sales, totaling over 54.53 million yuan ($7.55 million). The city currently hosts 14 instant refund stores among its 162 tax-free retailers.