How to send a letter to China

How to address and send post to another country — the address layout, postage, delivery times and what you can and can’t send.

China

Sending post to China
Full name on envelopeRequired
Delivery time7–20 business days typical.
PostageInternational letter, Registered, EMS.
Postcode6-digit postcode (e.g., 200001).

✉️ Addressing the envelope

Address layout
Full Name
Building, Street, District
CITY, PROVINCE POSTCODE
PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CHINA
Example
Li Wei
No. 88 Nanjing Rd, Huangpu District
SHANGHAI, SHANGHAI 200001
PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CHINA
Full name
Required
Full name required.
Postcode
6-digit postcode (e.g., 200001).
Language
Chinese domestically; English acceptable for international.

📮 Sending

Postage methods
International letter, Registered, EMS.
Delivery times
7–20 business days typical.

⏱️ How long letters take to reach China

From anywhere
about 3 weeks (247 letters)
From USA
about 5 weeks (48 letters)
From Sri Lanka
about 2 weeks (32 letters)
From Germany
about 2 weeks (22 letters)

Based on letters our members logged and marked as received over the last two years, using the quicker letters on each route. A letter may arrive sooner: members don’t always mark a letter as received as soon as it arrives.

🛃 Customs and restrictions

Customs
CN22/CN23 for goods.
Restrictions
Hazardous materials restricted.

💡 Tips

Include district and province.
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