Package Tracking Tips: How to Track a China Post Parcel

Tracking a package sent via China Post can feel confusing, especially when updates stall or appear in another language. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to track your parcel from start to finish. Here's what you'll learn:

• Why China Post tracking can be confusing
• Where to find your tracking number
• How to track your China Post parcel easily
• What China Post tracking statuses actually mean
• Extra tips for smooth delivery

Let’s dive in and simplify your China Post tracking experience.

Why China Post Tracking Can Be Confusing

If you’ve ordered from sites like AliExpress, Temu, or countless independent Chinese stores, there’s a good chance your parcel will ship via China Post. It’s one of the world’s largest postal networks, handling millions of international packages every month.

But following these shipments can still be tricky. Updates sometimes appear in Chinese, get delayed between scans, or stop entirely once the parcel leaves China. It’s common for shoppers to see a gap of several days or even weeks with no new information, causing unnecessary worry. That’s exactly where advanced China Post tracking services become so valuable. They let you monitor your parcel’s journey in real time, across borders and carriers, all in one place.

Where to Find Your Tracking Number

Before you can start tracking, you’ll need your tracking number. Here’s where to look:

• Order confirmation emails often include it. Look for lines like “Your order has shipped” or “Here’s your tracking information.”
• In your store account, under orders or purchases, you’ll usually find “Tracking Number” alongside order details.
• If you can’t find it, reach out to the seller or the site’s customer service. They can resend it.

China Post tracking numbers often look like “RU123456789CN” (two letters, nine digits, ending in CN).

How to Track Your China Post Parcel Easily

There are a few different ways to track a China Post shipment, depending on how much detail you want and how comfortable you are navigating different languages. You can go to China Post’s official tracking page and enter your tracking number. This is the primary source for early updates while your parcel is still within China. However, it’s largely in Chinese, and translations can sometimes be unclear. Here’s how to do it in a straightforward way:

1. Locate your tracking number
   It’s usually sent in your shipping confirmation email, and often looks like RU123456789CN or LS987654321CN.
2. Choose a tracking platform
   You can start with the China Post official tracking page. While it provides the most direct updates, it may not always translate clearly. Alternatively, you can use third-party tracking sites that consolidate updates from multiple carriers.
3. Follow the parcel’s progress
   Tracking tools typically show each stage of the journey, whether your package in a sorting center in Guangzhou, waiting at customs in Europe, or out for delivery with your local postal service.
4. Set up notifications (optional)
   Some platforms allow you to enable email or SMS alerts, so you'll know immediately when your package clears customs or is about to arrive.

What China Post Tracking Statuses Actually Mean

China Post uses some phrasing that might look odd. Here are common statuses explained:

• “Dispatch from outward office of exchange” means it’s left China and is on the way to your country.
• “Handed over to airline” means it’s waiting for or loaded onto a plane.
• “Arrival at inward office of exchange” means it’s reached customs in your country.
• “Held by customs” is routine, often just awaiting inspection or paperwork.
• “Delivery successful” is your final confirmation.

If you see the same status for a few days (like “Handed over to airline”), it typically doesn’t indicate a problem. It can take time to get flights arranged, clear customs, or move to the next scan point.

Extra Tips for Smooth Delivery

A few simple habits can make the process easier:

• Always double-check your address, especially if your platform stores it automatically. Typos cause more lost packages than you’d think.
• Pay attention to customs messages. Some countries require small fees on imported items. Delays often happen because they’re waiting for you to pay duties.
• Keep your tracking number handy. If there’s ever a problem, you’ll need it to open a claim or ask for help.
• Use a tool that follows multi-carrier shipments, so you're not left guessing when your parcel changes hands.

Featured Image by Freepik.