Ever wondered where your package from China is or when it will arrive? Tracking an international shipment through China Post can feel confusing, especially with unfamiliar websites and tracking codes.
Staying updated on your delivery isn’t just about convenience—it offers peace of mind, helps you plan around arrivals, and resolves issues quickly if something goes wrong.
In this article, you’ll find a simple, step-by-step guide to using the official China Post tracking website, along with useful tips to make the process stress-free.
Related Video
How to Track Your Package Using China Post’s Tracking Website
If you’ve ever ordered something from China—whether from a big marketplace like AliExpress or a small online shop—you’ve likely encountered China Post. As China’s national postal service, China Post is responsible for handling millions of international and domestic parcels every year. But once your package is shipped, how do you keep tabs on its journey? Let’s break down exactly how you can use China Post’s tracking websites and services to monitor your shipment every step of the way.
Understanding China Post Tracking: The Basics
China Post tracking allows you to follow your parcel as it travels from its sender to your front door. When you purchase an item and the seller ships it via China Post, you’ll receive a unique tracking number. This number is your key to accessing detailed, real-time updates about your parcel’s status.
What Is a China Post Tracking Number?
- Typically a 13-digit alphanumeric code (for example, “RL123456789CN”).
- The first two letters represent the parcel type.
- The following nine numbers are the unique identifier.
- The last two letters are the country code (always “CN” for China).
Why Tracking Matters
- Peace of mind: Know where your package is at all times.
- Transparency: See any customs or shipping delays.
- Security: Verify successful delivery.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Track a China Post Package
Tracking your shipment is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
1. Get Your Tracking Number
Check your order confirmation or shipping notification—this is where sellers will usually provide the tracking number. If you can’t find it, contact the seller directly.
2. Choose a Tracking Platform
Several websites and tools can help you track China Post shipments. Some popular options include:
- China Post’s official tracking page
- Packages tracking platforms like 17TRACK, Ship24, or Ordertracker
- Multi-carrier sites like TrackingMore, Parcels, or Postal Ninja
3. Enter the Tracking Number
Simply copy your tracking number and paste it into the search field on the chosen website. Click “Track” or the equivalent button.
4. Review the Tracking Information
You’ll see a timeline of your package’s journey. Information may include:
- When the parcel was sent
- Its location at various sorting facilities
- Customs clearance updates
- Out-for-delivery or delivered status
5. Set up Notifications (Optional)
Many tracking websites let you sign up for email notifications or app alerts so that you don’t have to check manually.
What the Tracking Statuses Mean
Understanding China Post tracking updates can be confusing. Here are some common statuses you may see:
- Collection: The package has been received by China Post.
- Departure from outward office of exchange: Parcel left China.
- Arrival at inward office of exchange: Parcel has entered the destination country.
- Customs clearance: Your package is being inspected by customs.
- In Transit: The package is on its way to the next location.
- Out for delivery: Final carrier is about to deliver the package.
- Delivered: The shipment has arrived!
Why Do Tracking Updates Sometimes Stall?
Packages might not get scanned at every stop, especially when transferred between countries or partners. Minor delays (days or even a week) are common and usually not cause for concern.
Benefits of Using China Post Tracking Websites
Tracking platforms offer more than just simple updates. Here’s what else you can expect:
- Multi-Language Support: Platforms like 17TRACK and Ship24 provide updates in English and other languages.
- Global Tracking: They follow your item not just in China, but as it crosses into your country and gets handed to local postal services.
- Detailed History: You see every update, from acceptance to final delivery.
- Notifications: Many sites offer push notifications or emails as your package status changes.
Tips and Best Practices for Tracking China Post Shipments
Ensuring a smooth tracking experience involves a few simple tips:
Always Double-Check Your Tracking Number
Typos can lead to confusion or invalid results.
Know Your Shipping Method
Certain China Post shipping types (like ePacket or EMS) offer more detailed tracking, while some economy options may only provide updates until the package leaves China.
Be Patient With Updates
International shipping, especially economy class, can take several weeks. Tracking may pause for days as packages are in transit or awaiting customs clearance.
Use Multiple Tracking Sites
If one platform isn’t showing recent updates, try another. Some sites are updated more frequently, especially for hand-offs between China Post and your local postal service.
Contact Sellers for Help
If your tracking number doesn’t work or your package hasn’t moved for an extended period (2–3 weeks), contact your seller or online marketplace for assistance.
Dealing with Challenges in China Post Tracking
Tracking international shipments isn’t always smooth sailing. Here are some hurdles you might face:
- Delayed or Sparse Updates: Sometimes packages skip scans, or tracking systems have temporary data outages.
- Customs Holds: Parcels may be held for inspection or due to import rules in your country.
- Incorrect or Invalid Numbers: Mistyped numbers or delayed uploading of tracking information.
- Untrackable Economical Lines: Some low-cost shipping methods only track until the item leaves China.
How to handle it?
– Stay patient and keep checking over a few days.
– Try alternative tracking platforms.
– Reach out to the sender or your local carrier if there’s an unusual delay.
Key Cost-Saving Tips When Shipping and Tracking with China Post
If you’re shipping from China (either as a business or for personal use), keep these cost-related points in mind:
Consider the Shipping Service Type
China Post offers several services:
- EMS (Express Mail Service):
- Fastest but most expensive.
-
Full tracking all the way to delivery.
-
Registered Air Mail / ePacket:
-
Slower than EMS, but still trackable and usually cost-effective for light parcels (under 2 kg).
-
Surface/SAL Mail:
- Cheapest, but slow or sometimes untrackable, especially after exiting China.
Save on Packaging
Lighter, smaller packages cost less to ship and sometimes qualify for better-tracked, affordable options like ePacket.
Track for Free
Most tracking sites do not charge you to look up tracking numbers. Be wary of sites asking for payment to provide tracking details.
Comparing Popular China Post Tracking Websites
You have many options beyond China Post’s main website. Here are some user-friendly alternatives, each with unique features:
17TRACK
- Supports tracking for hundreds of carriers.
- Clean interface and mobile app available.
- Real-time translations of shipping updates.
Ship24
- Detailed multi-courier tracking, including eCommerce integration.
- Useful for following hand-off from China Post to local couriers.
Ordertracker
- Easy interface with shipment history.
- Supports tracking for registered and unregistered China Post shipments.
Postal Ninja
- Offers crowd-sourced translation and explanations for cryptic status messages.
- Good for demystifying confusing updates.
TrackingMore & Parcels App
- Multi-courier tracking with notification and bulk tracking features.
- Good choice for frequent online shoppers.
EMS (China Postal Express & Logistics)
- Especially useful for items sent via China’s EMS express service.
- Best for heavy or urgent parcels.
My Package Tracking
- Multi-lingual interface.
- Allows you to compare tracking status from different platforms.
Tip: Try several of these sites if your package’s status has not updated recently, or if you want to double-check tracking hand-offs.
What to Do If Your Tracking Number Isn’t Working
Occasionally, you might run into a tracking number that “doesn’t exist” or yields no results:
- Wait a Bit: Sometimes it takes a couple of days for tracking to appear in the system after shipment.
- Confirm with Your Seller: Verify the number and confirm that your package has actually shipped.
- Try Multiple Sites: Some platforms update faster than others, especially for cross-border shipments.
- Check With Local Carrier: Once your package reaches your country, your national postal service may take over. Try inputting the number on their website.
Practical Advice for International Shoppers
- Always ask sellers to provide a registered shipping method with tracking, especially for orders of high value.
- Save all information and shipping confirmation emails until after you receive your parcel.
- If your tracking hasn’t updated for more than 30-40 days, you can usually claim a refund or file a dispute if you bought through platforms like eBay or AliExpress.
Tracking China Post: Quick Reference Checklist
- Obtain your package’s tracking number from the seller.
- Visit a reputable tracking website or app.
- Paste the number and review the updates.
- Expect some delays, especially during transit or customs processing.
- If stuck, use multiple tracking sites and contact the seller if needed.
Conclusion
China Post provides a reliable, transparent way to track packages as they journey from China to destinations worldwide. With a variety of user-friendly tracking websites available, you can easily follow your parcel’s path, get real-time updates, and solve problems as they arise. Whether you’re a frequent online shopper or simply waiting for a one-off parcel, knowing how to use China Post tracking ensures you stay informed and in control—from the moment your item ships until it reaches your doorstep. With these tips and best practices, international shopping becomes a breeze.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I know if my China Post tracking number is valid?
A valid China Post tracking number usually has 13 characters, beginning and ending with two letters (e.g., LP123456789CN). If you’re unsure, double-check with the sender or try inputting the number on a trusted tracking platform.
2. Why aren’t there any updates on my package for several days?
Shipping delays and sparse scans are common, especially for international and economy shipments. Packages may travel for several days without scans, especially during transit or customs clearance. If there’s no update after 2–3 weeks, check in with the seller or your local postal service.
3. Can I track a China Post package once it arrives in my country?
Yes! Most registered parcels are handed off to your country’s national postal service, and you can continue tracking them using the same tracking number on your local carrier’s website.
4. What does “Departure from outward office of exchange” mean?
This tracking status means your parcel has left China’s international sorting center and is on its way to your country. The next update typically occurs when it arrives in the destination country.
5. Is there a cost to track packages on China Post tracking sites?
No, tracking your parcel on reputable tracking websites is free. You do not need to pay for updates or to check your tracking information.
Tracking your China Post parcels doesn’t need to be confusing or stressful. With these tools, tips, and answers, you’ll always know where your package is—and when it’s set to arrive!
