Consumers choose products at the newly-opened Qingdao Duty Free Plaza on June 3. [Photo/qingdaonews.com]

The Qingdao Duty Free Plaza of China National Service Corporation was launched in a commercial complex in Shinan district, Qingdao, Shandong province on June 3.

Products from more than 170 international brands are being sold in the 1,000-square-meter duty-free shop, covering cosmetics, jewelry, luggage, food, and wine.

It is the first duty-free shop in operation in Shandong province, according to officials.

The shop has achieved great support from the local government of Shinan district. The local commerce bureau also gave out 1 million yuan ($156,000) as financial support for the development of the fashion industry to the shop.

A shopping gala was launched as well, which will run until June 20, providing consumers with various sales events and discounts in celebration of the shop's opening.

During the COVID-19 pandemic period, Chinese citizens who are at or above 16 years old that do not have entry and exit records from Aug 1, 2019 to Dec 31, 2020 can take their passports and other valid documents to buy duty-free commodities within the limits set by Customs before June 30, 2021.

China National Service Corporation started its duty-free business in 1980. As the only domestic foreign-exchange duty-free operator, the company has built about 30 duty-free shops in 20 provinces across the country.