You ordered something from AliExpress three weeks ago. The seller gave you a tracking number. For the first few days, the updates came in fast. Then, silence. The tracking page shows the same status it showed ten days ago, and you are starting to wonder if your package has vanished into thin air.
Track Your Order
It has not. This is simply how China Post tracking works, and once you understand the system, the confusion goes away completely.
China Post is the official state-owned postal service of the People’s Republic of China, founded in 1949 and headquartered in Beijing. It operates one of the largest postal networks in the world, with tens of thousands of postal offices across the country. Internationally, China Post works through the Universal Postal Union (UPU) network, meaning your parcel is handed off to your local national postal service once it arrives in your country.
That handoff is where most of the confusion happens. Between the moment China Post gives the parcel to an airline and the moment your local post office receives it, there are no scanning stations. No scans means no updates. This gap can last one to three weeks during normal seasons, and longer during Chinese New Year, Singles Day, or peak holiday periods.
This guide covers everything you need: how to read your tracking number, how to use the tracking tools, what every status message actually means, why updates stop, and what to do when something genuinely goes wrong.
How to Read Your China Post Tracking Number
Every registered China Post shipment gets a 13-character tracking number that follows the Universal Postal Union standard. The structure is always the same: two letters, nine digits, and the two-letter country code CN at the end.
The first letter is the most important part. It tells you which service was used, which directly affects how well you can track your parcel and how long delivery will take.
| Service | Tracking Number Prefix | Delivery Time | Tracking Coverage |
| EMS (Express Mail Service) | E + letter + 9 digits + CN | 3 to 8 business days | Full end-to-end |
| ePacket (EUB / E-Youbao) | L + letter + 9 digits + CN | 7 to 20 business days | Full end-to-end |
| Registered Air Mail | R + letter + 9 digits + CN | 15 to 45 days | Full end-to-end |
| Air Parcel (over 2 kg) | C + letter + 9 digits + CN | 10 to 25 days | Registered only |
| SAL Parcel | Varies | 20 to 40 days | Registered only |
| Surface / Sea Mail | Varies | 40 to 70 days | Registered only |
| Ordinary Small Packet | U + letter + 9 digits + CN | 30 to 60 days | China territory only |
| Important: If your tracking number starts with U, your parcel is an unregistered ordinary packet. Tracking only works inside China. Once the parcel leaves the country, updates stop permanently. This is intentional. If you need international tracking, always confirm with your seller that the shipment is registered. |
Here are a few real-world examples of what tracking numbers look like:
- LX123456789CN – ePacket, lightweight e-commerce item, full international tracking
- RA987654321CN – Registered Air Mail, standard international parcel
- EE112233445CN – EMS Express, fastest China Post service
- UG533573760CN – Ordinary Small Packet, trackable in China only
How to Track Your China Post Package: Step by Step
You have two main options when tracking a China Post shipment: the official China Post website, or a third-party tracking platform. Both work, but each has pros and cons worth knowing.
Option 1: The Official China Post Website
The official tracking page is at yjcx.chinapost.com.cn. It is the most direct source of information, but there is a catch: the website is primarily in Chinese, and you will need to complete a sliding puzzle captcha every time you search.
- Open the official China Post tracking page in your browser
- Locate the search bar on the page
- Type your 13-character tracking number exactly as it appears in your order confirmation
- Click the green button (the magnifying glass icon) to trigger the captcha
- Complete the sliding puzzle by dragging the piece to its correct position
- Your tracking history will appear below, showing each scan point with dates and locations
| Note: Airport codes appear in the tracking results. PVG means Shanghai Pudong Airport. PEK means Beijing Capital Airport. CAN means Guangzhou Baiyun Airport. If the status shows NULL, this is a translation error on the website, not a problem with your parcel. |
Option 2: Third-Party Tracking Platforms
Most international buyers find third-party platforms easier to use. They translate all status messages into English, skip the captcha, and often aggregate data from your destination country’s postal service too, giving you a more complete picture.
The most reliable third-party trackers for China Post are:
- 17TRACK (17track.net) – tracks over 3,200 carriers, multilingual, mobile app available
- AfterShip (aftership.com) – clean interface, supports batch tracking of multiple orders
- ParcelsApp (parcelsapp.com) – strong for AliExpress and eBay orders, shows estimated delivery time
- Ship24 (ship24.com) – aggregates over 25 carriers, supports 25+ languages
- Parcel Monitor (parcelmonitor.com) – email notifications, automatic Gmail parcel detection
The process on all of these platforms is the same. Paste your tracking number into the search bar, click track, and wait a few seconds for the results.
What Every China Post Tracking Status Actually Means
The status messages in China Post tracking can be cryptic, especially when you see the same one for two weeks straight. Here is a plain-English translation of the most common ones.
Statuses You Will See Inside China
- Accepted / Collection: The post office has received your parcel. This is the first scan after the seller drops it off.
- Dispatching: The parcel is being transported from one post office to another within China, typically moving toward an international exchange hub.
- Opening: The parcel has arrived at a processing or sorting center and is being opened for customs inspection. Your individual parcel is not literally opened; this refers to the larger container bag it is travelling in.
- Export Security Scan / Export Customs Scan: Your parcel has passed through China’s export security process. It is cleared to leave the country.
- Departure from Outward Office of Exchange: This is one of the most important statuses. It means your parcel has left China and is on its way to your country. Expect a tracking gap after this point.
Statuses You Will See During International Transit
- Handed Over to Airline: China Post has given your parcel to the cargo airline. No scans happen during the flight. This status can last one to three weeks.
- Arrival at Inward Office of Exchange: Your parcel has landed in your destination country and has reached the main postal exchange center.
- Customs Clearance: Your parcel is being processed by the customs authority of your country. This can take a few days or several weeks depending on the country and parcel volume.
- Customs Clearance Completed: Your parcel has cleared customs and been released to the local postal service for final delivery.
Statuses You Will See Near Delivery
- Arrival at Delivery Office: Your parcel is at the local post office or sorting facility near your address.
- Out for Delivery: A delivery person has picked up your parcel and is bringing it to your door today.
- Delivered: Your parcel has been handed over to you or left at your address. Check your mailbox, ask neighbors, and check for any delivery notification cards.
- Delivery Failed: The courier attempted delivery but could not complete it. Usually this means no one was home or the address was unclear. Your parcel will typically be held at the local post office for about two weeks before being returned to China.
China Post Delivery Times by Country and Service
Delivery time is the single most searched question about China Post. The honest answer is that it varies, but the table below gives you realistic ranges based on the service you are using and where your package is going.
| Country / Region | ePacket | Registered Air Mail | EMS Express | Surface Mail |
| USA | 10 to 20 days | 15 to 45 days | 7 to 15 days | 40 to 70 days |
| UK | 10 to 20 days | 15 to 45 days | 7 to 15 days | 40 to 70 days |
| Germany / EU | 10 to 20 days | 15 to 40 days | 7 to 15 days | 40 to 70 days |
| Australia | 10 to 20 days | 15 to 45 days | 7 to 15 days | 40 to 70 days |
| Canada | 10 to 20 days | 20 to 50 days | 7 to 15 days | 40 to 70 days |
| Japan / South Korea | 7 to 14 days | 5 to 15 days | 3 to 8 days | 15 to 30 days |
| Russia | 7 to 15 days | 15 to 45 days | 7 to 15 days | 40 to 70 days |
| Brazil / Latin America | 15 to 40 days | 20 to 60 days | 10 to 20 days | 40 to 90 days |
| Africa | N/A | 20 to 60 days | 10 to 30 days | 40 to 90 days |
Why Your China Post Tracking Stops Updating
This is by far the most common concern. Your package was moving, then the updates stopped. Here is what is actually happening.
No Scanning During Air or Sea Transit
Once China Post hands your parcel to an airline or shipping carrier, there are no scanning stations on the plane or ship. Tracking freezes from the moment it leaves the Chinese exchange center until it arrives and is scanned by your destination country’s postal service. This gap is completely normal and can last one to three weeks by air, or up to two months by sea.
The Destination Country Has Not Scanned It Yet
Even after the parcel lands, the local postal service needs to scan it into their system before data appears. Some countries are slower at this than others. The status update flows back through the Universal Postal Union network, which adds another layer of delay.
Economy Services Track Less Frequently
Ordinary Small Packets and some SAL services only record a few scan points. You might see just three updates for an entire international journey: accepted, departed China, delivered. There are no intermediate scans on these economy services. This does not mean the parcel is lost; it simply means the service does not capture detailed movement data.
Customs Processing
Customs agencies can hold packages for inspection, additional documentation checks, or routine screening without updating tracking systems in real time. A parcel can sit in customs for several days while appearing completely stuck. When it clears, the status jumps directly to the next stage.
Peak Seasons and Postal Holidays
China has 18 public holidays, and international shipping volumes spike dramatically around Chinese New Year and the November shopping season. Sorting centers become overwhelmed, and tracking updates slow down across all service tiers.
Also Read : Expeditors Tracking: How to Track Any Shipment, Status Guide and Expert Tips (2026)
What to Do When Your Tracking Has a Problem
Tracking Number Not Working or Showing No Results
This usually means one of three things. First, double-check that you have copied the tracking number correctly with no extra spaces or missing characters. Second, the seller may have only just shipped the parcel. Give it 24 to 48 hours for the system to register the first scan. Third, if the tracking number starts with U, you may be trying to track it outside China, which is not supported for that service.
Package Stuck at Customs for More Than 2 Weeks
Check whether you owe any import duties or taxes. Most destination country customs authorities will send you a notice, but these sometimes go to spam or get delayed. If taxes are owed, paying them promptly releases the parcel. If no taxes are owed but the parcel is still stuck, contact your country’s customs office directly with your tracking number.
Status Says Delivered but You Did Not Receive It
Check your mailbox, post office box, and ask any household members or building neighbors whether they accepted the delivery on your behalf. If you live in an apartment, check with the building management or reception. If nobody has it, contact the local postal service in your country first. They have the delivery record with the delivery person’s details. If they cannot resolve it, contact the seller to file a claim.
Package Genuinely Appears Lost
For registered shipments, file a claim through the original sender. The sender must initiate the claim with China Post, as the shipping contract is between the sender and China Post. China Post typically provides compensation worth two to three times the shipping fee for confirmed losses. For this reason, registered shipping is always worth the small extra cost for any package with real value.
| Contact China Post: Customer service can be reached at +86 20 11185, Monday to Sunday from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM China Standard Time. Press option 8 for English-language support. For EMS specifically, the hotline is +86 10 11183. |
Mistakes Most People Make When Tracking China Post Packages
Panicking After 10 Days With No Update
The most common mistake is assuming a tracking gap means a lost parcel. For standard international shipments, gaps of one to three weeks during transit are completely normal. Only start the formal complaint process if the parcel has exceeded the maximum expected delivery time for your chosen service.
Only Checking the China Post Website
The official China Post website only shows scans captured within the China Post network. Third-party trackers often pull data from your destination country’s postal service too, giving you a more complete timeline. Use a platform like 17TRACK or AfterShip to see both halves of the journey.
Choosing Unregistered Shipping for Valuable Items
Ordinary Small Packets are cheap, but they offer no international tracking and no compensation for loss. If you are buying something that costs more than a few dollars, ask the seller to use Registered Air Mail or ePacket instead. The extra cost is usually small and the peace of mind is significant.
Not Accounting for Peak Season Delays
Many buyers order around Chinese New Year or the November 11 shopping festival without realizing the massive surge in shipping volume this creates. If you need something by a specific date, add at least two to three weeks of buffer for orders shipped during peak periods.
China Post Tracking Checklist
Use this checklist to systematically work through any tracking situation.
- Confirm the tracking number is exactly 13 characters and starts with the correct letter for your service
- Wait 24 to 48 hours after receiving the tracking number before the first check
- Use 17TRACK, AfterShip, or ParcelsApp for English translations of status updates
- If stuck at Departure from Outward Office of Exchange, wait at least 2 to 3 weeks before taking action
- Check whether any customs duties or taxes are owed in your country
- Contact your local postal service if the parcel shows as arrived but tracking has stopped
- Only contact China Post customer service if the parcel exceeds maximum delivery time for the service
- File compensation claims through the original seller, not directly through China Post as a recipient
- For future orders, always request registered shipping for items worth more than a few dollars
Related Topics to Explore
- ePacket Shipping Guide: How ePacket works, who can use it, and which countries it covers
- China EMS Tracking: Detailed guide to Express Mail Service from China, including how it differs from standard mail
- AliExpress Shipping Guide: Understanding all shipping options available on AliExpress, from economy to express
- How to File a Lost Package Claim: Step-by-step process for recovering compensation through international mail networks
- Chinese New Year Shipping Delays: What to expect and how to plan purchases around China’s major holiday
- Import Duties and Customs: A country-by-country guide to import thresholds, tax rates, and customs procedures
Frequently Asked Questions
| Q1: How do I track a China Post package? |
| Go to the official China Post website at yjcx.chinapost.com.cn or use a third-party tracker like 17TRACK, AfterShip, or ParcelsApp. Enter your 13-character tracking number and complete the verification puzzle to see your shipment status. |
| Q2: What does a China Post tracking number look like? |
| A standard China Post tracking number has 13 characters: two letters at the start, nine digits in the middle, and the country code CN at the end. For example: LX123456789CN for ePacket or RA987654321CN for Registered Air Mail. |
| Q3: Why has my China Post tracking stopped updating? |
| Tracking gaps are normal, especially during international transit. Once China Post hands the parcel to an airline or shipping carrier, no scans occur until the destination country’s postal service receives and logs it. Gaps of 1 to 3 weeks are common in regular season. |
| Q4: How long does China Post take to deliver? |
| Delivery time depends on the service. EMS delivers in 3 to 15 business days. ePacket takes 7 to 20 business days. Registered Air Mail takes 15 to 45 days. Ordinary Small Packets can take 30 to 60 days. Surface mail can take 40 to 70 days or more. |
| Q5: Can I track a China Post package in the USA with USPS? |
| Yes. USPS can track China Post Registered Air Mail, EMS, ePacket, and Sea/Air combined parcels. However, USPS cannot track China Post Ordinary Small Packets, as these are unregistered and only tracked within China. |
| Q6: Why does my tracking show Departure from Outward Office of Exchange but nothing after? |
| This status means the parcel has left China and is in transit to your country. There are no scanning stations during the flight or sea voyage, so tracking freezes until the destination country receives and scans the parcel. Wait 1 to 3 weeks before worrying. |
| Q7: What do I do if my China Post package is stuck in customs? |
| First, check that no duties or taxes are owed. If taxes are due, pay them promptly. Then contact your country’s customs authority with your tracking number. If customs holds the package for more than 30 days, contact China Post customer service at +86 20 11185. |
| Q8: What happens if my China Post package is lost? |
| For registered shipments, you can file a compensation claim through the sender. China Post evaluates the value and typically pays two to three times the shipping charge. For unregistered ordinary mail, no compensation is available, which is why registered shipping is always recommended for valuable items. |
| Q9: Which third-party trackers work best for China Post? |
| The most reliable third-party trackers are 17TRACK, AfterShip, ParcelsApp, Ship24, and Parcel Monitor. All of them aggregate data from multiple postal systems and translate Chinese tracking updates into English, making them easier to use than the official China Post website. |
| Q10: Is China Post tracking in real time? |
| Not exactly. China Post updates tracking at key scan points, not continuously. Within China, updates are frequent. During international transit, scans only happen when the parcel passes through a postal exchange facility. Expect gaps, but this does not mean your package is lost. |
