How to Send and Receive Packages in China

Short Answer

Delivery worker with packages in China

China's delivery network handles billions of packages annually with remarkable speed

Deep Dive

Domestic Shipping

• SF Express (顺丰速运): The premium carrier, known for speed and reliability. Same-day or next-day delivery in most cities. Costs 12-23 RMB for a standard package.
• ZTO Express (中通快递): One of the largest budget carriers. Reliable for standard deliveries. Costs 5-12 RMB.
• Yunda Express (韵达快递): Another popular budget option. Slightly slower but very affordable.
• Yuantong Express (圆通速递): Widely used for e-commerce deliveries.
• Cainiao (菜鸟): Alibaba's logistics platform that coordinates multiple carriers. Used primarily for Taobao orders.
• JD Logistics (京东物流): JD.com's own delivery network, known for same-day delivery in major cities.

1. Through an app: Most convenient. Use SF Express app, WeChat mini-programs, or Alipay to schedule a pickup.
2. At a delivery station (快递站): Neighborhood stations accept walk-in packages. Bring your ID.
3. At a post office (邮局): China Post handles both domestic and international mail.

• Same city: Same day or next day
• Same province: 1-2 days
• Cross-country: 2-4 days
• Remote areas: 3-7 days

Receiving Packages

• Delivery to your door: Most carriers will call or text before delivery
• Smart lockers (快递柜): Automated lockers in apartment complexes where packages are stored for pickup
• Neighborhood stations (菜鸟驿站): Staffed pickup points where packages are held
• Office delivery: Many people have packages delivered to their workplace

• Download the Cainiao app to track all your packages
• WeChat notifications from delivery services
• Set delivery preferences in Taobao/JD to specify where packages should be left

International Shipping

• SF Express International: Reliable, good tracking, moderate pricing
• EMS (Express Mail Service): China Post's express service, competitive rates
• DHL/FedEx/UPS: Fast but expensive, best for urgent documents
• China Post Air Mail: Cheapest option but slower (2-4 weeks)

• Customs declaration form (available at post office)
• Itemized list of contents with values
• Recipient's full address and phone number
• Your passport for identification

• Packages may be held at customs for inspection
• Import duties may apply for items over a certain value (typically 1,000 RMB)
• You may need to provide your ID and customs declaration
• SF Express and EMS handle customs clearance for most packages

E-commerce Shipping

• Taobao/Cainiao: Most items ship within 1-3 days. Free shipping is common for orders over a certain amount.
• JD.com: Same-day or next-day delivery for items in JD warehouses. Excellent for electronics and household goods.
• Pinduoduo: Budget-friendly but delivery times can be longer.

• Use the built-in tracking in each app
• Set your default delivery address early
• Check seller ratings before purchasing
• Save frequently used addresses for faster checkout

Tips for Expats

• Learn key Chinese phrases: "Express delivery" (快递, kuàidì), "pickup" (取件, qǔjiàn), "delivery station" (快递站, kuàidì zhàn)
• Keep your phone number current: Delivery notifications come via SMS or WeChat
• Register with Cainiao: This platform aggregates tracking for most carriers
• Consider insurance: For valuable items, especially international shipments
• Holiday delays: Expect slower delivery during Chinese New Year (January/February) and Singles' Day (November 11)