The enthusiasm of Chinese tourists for shopping is nothing short of impressive. According to a report by the world's biggest provider of tax refund services, Global Blue, travelers from China made up the largest portion of purchasers in France in 2010.

The report says Chinese tourists spent a total of 650 million euros on duty-free products in France last year, maintaining their reputation for being serious shoppers.

Money spent on duty-free goods by other overseas visitors to France reached 3 billion euros last year. That's an increase of 35 percent from the previous year, with Chinese tourists responsible for much of the growth.

Data also shows that last year, overseas visitors recorded an average spend of around 1,300 euros each time they hit the shops in France. That exceeds spending by Russian, American, and Japanese tourists.

Chinese consumers' overseas shopping sprees are mainly motivated by the significant savings compared to prices back home. Currently, China levies between 15 to 25 percent tariffs on imported high-end consumption goods. Adding to that other duties, like value-added tax and consumption tax, luxury goods cost at least a third more than when purchased in Europe.

A Chinese shopper said, "We ordinary consumers hope the price gap might be narrowed."

Analysts say, as the market for luxury goods is still immature in the Chinese mainland, some luxury brands charge higher licensing fees here than in overseas markets. These extra costs are added into retail prices.

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