How to Track Packages from China Without Worrying

Let’s be real—ordering from China can feel like a gamble. You hit ‘buy’, cross your fingers, and pray your package doesn’t vanish into the international shipping void. But as someone who’s tracked over 300 shipments from Chinese suppliers (and helped e-commerce brands do the same), I’m here to tell you: it doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right tools and knowledge, you can track packages from China like a pro.

Why Tracking from China Is Tricky

Unlike domestic carriers like UPS or FedEx, Chinese postal services (like China Post) often update tracking info infrequently. Plus, once your package leaves China, it gets handed off to local postal systems—like USPS in the U.S.—which may not sync data in real time.

But here’s the good news: most delays happen at customs or during last-mile delivery, not because the package is lost. In fact, according to Cainiao (Alibaba’s logistics arm), over 92% of AliExpress orders arrive within 15–25 days with full tracking visibility.

Best Tools to Track Your Shipment

Forget relying on just one platform. Smart shoppers use multiple trackers to stay ahead. Here are my top picks:

• 17Track – Supports 2,000+ carriers, including YunExpress and CJ Packet.
• AfterShip – Great for Shopify buyers; sends automatic email alerts.
• Cainiao – Official tracker for AliExpress and Taobao orders.

Pro tip: Copy your tracking number and paste it into two trackers. If one shows no updates, the other might have fresh data.

Shipping Methods Compared

Not all shipping options are created equal. Here’s a quick breakdown of popular methods from China:

If you want reliable updates and faster delivery, go with ePacket or YunExpress. They’re worth the extra few bucks.

What to Do When Tracking Stops Updating

Don’t panic if your package seems stuck in limbo. First, check if it cleared customs—sometimes that info isn’t logged until delivery. Use ParcelsApp.com to see historical scan patterns. If it’s been over 30 days with zero movement, file a claim with the seller or your marketplace (AliExpress offers buyer protection up to 60 days).

Final Tips

• Always use a tracking-friendly service when possible.
• Save your tracking number and order details in one place.
• Contact the seller early if there’s a delay—they often have backend access to logistics data.

Tracking packages from China doesn’t have to be a mystery. With the right strategy, you’ll spend less time worrying and more time unboxing.