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China Postal Codes and Addressing Guide
An overview of China's six-digit postal codes and large-to-small address order, plus how a UPCS code adds an exact location to a Chinese address.
Updated 14 October 2026 · 3 min read
China uses a six-digit postal code, managed within the national postal system run by China Post. Addresses are written from the largest unit to the smallest: province, city, district, street, number, building and room. This is the reverse of the order used in English, and it is the most important thing to know when addressing mail to China.
How the postal system works
China Post operates the national postal service, and a large courier industry handles most e-commerce parcels. The six-digit code identifies a region and a delivery area. It is usually printed at the top or beginning of the address, with the recipient's name placed last. Many everyday deliveries are handled through the written address and the recipient's phone number.
How addresses are usually written
A Chinese address names the province-level region first, then the city, the district or county, the street and number, and finally the compound, building, unit and room. Residential compounds are very common, so the compound name, building number and unit number are often a larger part of the address than the street itself. Addresses are written in Chinese characters; romanised pinyin is used for international correspondence.
How UPCS codes work in China
UPCS codes in China use the prefix CN, producing a code like CN-XXXX-XXXX. The code stands for a 3 m x 3 m grid cell, and identical coordinates always return the same code. You pick the point on the map at upcs.io and the code is generated.
It is not a postal code, it is not issued by China Post or any authority, and it does not replace any part of the address. It can be added next to the address for deliveries where a precise entrance matters.
Why the postal code alone is not enough
A six-digit code narrows a parcel down to an area, but a city district can contain many compounds, each with several numbered buildings and more than one gate. Couriers usually rely on the compound name, building and unit, and on calling the recipient. An exact map point shows which gate or pickup spot is meant, which is helpful for new developments and large campuses. The postal code and the written address remain necessary and should always be included.
In this guide
- China postal code format explains the six-digit structure.
- How to write a China address shows the order with a formatted example.
- How to find a China postal code covers lookup and verification.
- China delivery and addressing challenges discusses compounds, language and exact-location codes.
For other countries, see the countries hub.
In this guide
Frequently asked questions
Is a UPCS code an official Chinese postal code?
No. China's official postal code has six digits and is part of the national postal system. A UPCS code such as CN-XXXX-XXXX is a separate, unofficial code for an exact map location.
Do I write a Chinese address in English or in Chinese characters?
For domestic delivery, Chinese characters are the most reliable. A romanised version can accompany them for international senders, but local couriers work from the characters.