Mail and shipping in China

Domestic delivery

China's domestic delivery is among the fastest and cheapest in the world. The major couriers — SF Express (顺丰), JD Logistics, ZTO, YTO, STO, Yunda — deliver next-day across the country and same-day within tier-1 cities. Prices ¥10–¥30 for a small parcel.

Most deliveries are placed in a 'cabinet' (Hive Box, Cainiao Post — automated lockers in your compound) and you collect with a code sent by SMS. Some compounds prefer doorstep delivery; arrange with the courier.

E-commerce delivery

Taobao / Tmall / JD parcels arrive within 2–3 days standard, next-day in tier-1 cities, sometimes same-day for urban Tmall warehouses. JD's logistics is typically the fastest for electronics and books. Returns are free and frictionless via the apps.

International shipping out

• DHL, FedEx, UPS all operate in mainland China; offices and pickup in tier-1/2 cities. Express shipping a 5kg parcel internationally runs ¥500–¥1,500.
• EMS / China Post is cheaper and slower (1–3 weeks); ¥200–¥600 for a 5kg parcel. Reliable.
• Sea freight for personal goods (containers, large items) — handled by specialist movers; allow 6–10 weeks transit.

International shipping in

Inbound parcels go through customs. Personal-use items below ¥1,000 typically clear without duty. Higher-value items, branded goods, and many electronics attract a personal duty (10–50% depending on category, paid by the receiver). Some categories (drugs, sensitive media, certain food, animal products, plants) are restricted or prohibited.

If a parcel is held by customs, the receiver gets an SMS with instructions — typically you provide a copy of your passport and pay duty online to release the parcel.

What not to ship

• Liquids over 100ml in personal effects shipping internationally (carrier policy).
• Lithium-ion batteries above the air-cargo threshold (UN3480 etc).
• Politically sensitive printed material (vague but real).
• Pork products (ASF restrictions).
• Most prescription medication — bring with you in carry-on with prescription.

Tip

Use a Chinese mobile number on shipping addresses. The courier's notification flow assumes a Chinese number; deliveries to addresses with foreign numbers sometimes get held until the recipient calls in.