JINAN - Jinan in East China's Shandong povince on Saturday began to refund sales taxes to overseas tourists.

Overseas tourists can claim back VAT refunds at Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport when leaving China on purchases from 23 specified stores, said Wang Yuzhu, deputy head of the city's department of finance.

Foreign tourists and those from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan who stay on the Chinese mainland for fewer than 183 days are entitled to an 9 percent rebate on goods bought at the designated stores.

The minimum purchase for the rebate is 500 yuan ($75) at one store in one day. The refund is valid for purchases made up to 90 days before departure.

Shandong greets many tourists from Japan and Republic of Korea every year. Famous resorts in the province include Mount Tai, Qufu, home of ancient philosopher Confucius, and coastal sites such as Yantai and Weihai.