China delivers 47 billion packages before Spring Festival

As the Spring Festival approaches, China’s logistics sector is experiencing a remarkable peak, with an astounding 4.686 billion packages shipped nationwide during the week from February 2 to February 8. This represents a week-on-week increase of 3.19 percent and a staggering average daily throughput of nearly 670 million parcels, according to data from the State Post Bureau.

This surge in shipments, which began gaining momentum in mid-to-late January, highlights robust consumer demand and the resilience of the broader Chinese economy, as noted by industry observers. The upsurge is driven by the need for New Year goods traditionally favored during this festive season.

Kang Hongshan, a delivery worker for SF Express operating in Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, shared insights into the increase, revealing that he has been packing more than 200 boxes of cherries daily. The demand for imported fruits, particularly cherries, plays a crucial role in driving seasonal logistics volumes across regions including Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai.

Additionally, in Kunming's Dounan flower market, often referred to as the flower capital of Asia, the demand for festive flowers has surged. Leading couriers like ZTO and JD Logistics have reported approximately a 20 percent week-on-week jump in their packing and dispatch volumes, fueling further logistical activity as families prepare for the New Year celebrations.

With the 2026 Spring Festival set for February 17, consumers have begun stocking up on celebratory essentials, including traditional items like red Chinese knots and lanterns. The increasing demand underscores a blend of cultural practices and modern consumer habits.

JD.com, a major e-commerce platform, has reported that New Year purchases this year reflect a mix of tradition and innovation. Sales data indicates significant interest in red-themed products, traditionally associated with good fortune, with searches for these items increasing by over 80 percent month-on-month.

Traditional decorations, including paper window-cuts and spring couplets, account for about 39.2 percent of demand, while red fruits, such as strawberries and cherries, encompass roughly 26.7 percent of consumer interest, according to JD.com.

The logistics sector's flexibility and service innovations have played a pivotal role in fulfilling consumer demands. Jiang Zhenxing, a ZTO courier in Qingdao, stated that his team has seen daily shipments of popular Shandong-style steamed buns increase fivefold, necessitating the establishment of neighborhood pick-up stations and increasing street-level collection frequencies to adapt to demand.

Liu Jiang, director of the strategic planning department at the Development and Research Center of the State Post Bureau, emphasized that the rapid and efficient support provided by courier companies is a key driver for consumption upgrades and sustained economic growth.

Technological advancements and operational innovations have accelerated response times and improved service accuracy, ensuring the timely delivery of global products to Chinese consumers, thereby invigorating the holiday economy.

As families engage in holiday shopping and gift-giving, the logistics network’s capacity to expand rapidly is crucial. According to data from the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing, the logistics sector generated a total revenue of 14.3 trillion yuan, translating to approximately 2.07 trillion dollars in 2025, underscoring the importance of logistics as an indicator of economic vitality ahead of the Spring Festival.