TOP 6 Warehouses in China

Time: Feb 27,2025 Author: SFC Source: www.sendfromchina.com

China’s dominance in global manufacturing is undisputed, but for e-commerce sellers sourcing products from the powerhouse, the real challenge begins after production. How do you store, manage, and ship goods efficiently from a country as vast and complex as China? The answer lies in partnering with the right warehouse—a decision that can make or break your supply chain.

In this guide, we’ll explore six warehouse giants in China that cater specifically to the needs of global e-commerce sellers. These facilities aren’t just storage spaces; they’re tech-driven hubs offering everything from AI-powered inventory management to seamless cross-border logistics. Let’s dive in.

1. Cainiao Smart Logistics Network (Alibaba Group)

Cainiao is Alibaba Group’s logistics arm, founded in 2013 as part of Jack Ma’s vision to streamline China’s e-commerce deliveries. If you’ve ever ordered from Alibaba’s marketplaces (like AliExpress, Taobao, or Tmall), Cainiao was likely working behind the scenes to get your package moving. Role in Alibaba’s ecosystem: Cainiao acts as the central nervous system connecting sellers, warehouses, and last-mile couriers. It isn’t a delivery company itself; instead, it’s a consortium of logistics partners coordinated through a unified platform. It means as a seller you tap into an entire network of warehouses and couriers via one integrated system.

Services and Technology

Cainiao offers domestic warehousing, global shipping solutions, and even neighborhood drop-off/pick-up points. What really sets Cainiao apart is its advanced tech infrastructure. Backed by Alibaba Cloud, Cainiao uses big data, AI, and IoT to optimize routes and warehouse operations. For example, Cainiao’s cloud-based logistics platform tracks every parcel in real time and uses algorithms to calculate optimal delivery routes. In their smart warehouses, robots and automated systems sort packages with impressive speed and accuracy. (Alibaba even opened a warehouse with 700+ robots at work!) The scale is astounding – Cainiao processes over 5 million international packages per day and analyzes billions of data points to streamline operations. It has built a global network spanning 224 countries and regions, with 100+ warehouses and 120+ domestic partners contributing to ultra-fast fulfillment.

Benefits for e-commerce sellers

For merchants, Cainiao’s network offers speed and reliability without having to manage multiple logistics contacts. Inventory stored in Cainiao-partnered warehouses can be dispatched quickly to domestic buyers, and cross-border orders are handled through Cainiao’s international routes. The integration with Alibaba’s e-commerce platforms means if you sell on AliExpress or Tmall, using Cainiao is almost seamless – orders automatically flow into fulfillment. Even if you’re not on Alibaba platforms, Cainiao’s growing “开放 (open)” logistics initiative might serve external businesses, giving you access to its smart supply chain. In a nutshell, Cainiao brings you cutting-edge logistics with Alibaba’s massive ecosystem behind it, ensuring your customers get their orders with the efficiency that China’s e-commerce is famous for.

2. JD Logistics

JD Logistics is the powerhouse behind JD.com (Jingdong), one of China’s largest online retailers. Unlike platforms that rely on third parties, JD.com built its own logistics network from the ground up – and it’s now one of the most advanced in the world. For global sellers, JD Logistics isn’t just for JD’s own orders; it has evolved into a standalone logistics provider open to serving other businesses as well.

Infrastructure and Service Coverage

JD Logistics operates an enormous network of warehouses and distribution centers across China. How big? As of 2021, JD had about 1,200 self-operated warehouses with 23 million square meters of space, plus another 1,600 partner warehouses in its Open Warehouse Platform. That means whether your factory is in Guangdong or your customers are in Inner Mongolia, JD likely has a fulfillment center nearby. These warehouses are connected by JD’s own trucking fleets, rail partnerships, and even cargo airplanes, forming six synergized networks (for regular parcels, bulky items, cold chain, etc.) to cover every corner of China. The company has also expanded abroad, with warehouses in North America, Europe, and Asia to support global e-commerce flows.

Technological Advancements

JD Logistics is famous for its automation and innovation. Many facilities are “smart warehouses” equipped with robotics, automated conveyor systems, and AI-driven management. In its flagship Asia No.1 mega-centers, armies of robots zip around sorting packages with 99.99% accuracy. In one such facility, 10,000 robots sort up to 4.5 million parcels per day, an efficiency five times higher than traditional methods! JD has even tested drone deliveries to rural villages and autonomous delivery robots in cities – it’s like a scene from the future. For e-commerce sellers, this tech translates to extremely fast processing of orders, minimal errors, and the capacity to handle surges during big shopping festivals. (Imagine your orders during a flash sale being sorted by robots at 3 AM – that’s JD Logistics for you.)

Advantages for online sellers

If your target market includes Chinese consumers, JD Logistics can be a game-changer. It offers nationwide same-day or next-day delivery coverage for much of China’s population (a service level they dub the “211 promise”). While we won’t dive into exact delivery times, it’s safe to say JD’s speed is a competitive advantage. Even for cross-border selling, JD’s growing international network and experience in customs clearance can help get products to overseas markets efficiently. They provide end-to-end fulfillment: you can store inventory in JD warehouses, and they will pick, pack, and deliver orders as they come in, whether the buyer is in Beijing or Boston. Sellers also praise JD Logistics for its professional handling of products – remember, JD started with electronics, so they built a reputation on careful delivery of high-value, fragile items. Now that expertise extends to all product categories. In short, JD Logistics offers e-commerce sellers a one-stop, tech-driven logistics solution with the kind of reliability that can keep your customers coming back.

3. SF Express

If you ask a Chinese shopper which delivery company they trust the most, many would answer SF Express. Often likened to “China’s FedEx,” SF Express (Shunfeng Express) has built its brand on reliability and speed within China. For global sellers sourcing from China, SF Express can be a dependable partner, especially for domestic distribution and increasingly for international routes.

Logistics Capabilities

SF Express operates a vast logistics network across China, characterized by direct control rather than a franchise model. It means SF manages its own regional branches, fleet, and staff, resulting in very consistent service quality nationwide. SF Express have 12,000+ service centers covering all 31 provinces and over 300 cities – essentially blanket coverage of China’s populated areas. Whether your supplier is in a major city or a smaller inland town, SF can pick up and deliver packages efficiently. SF’s capabilities span everything from overnight document couriers to freight delivery. They even have specialized services: cold chain logistics for perishables, heavy freight for large items, and pharmaceutical transport with temperature control. The diversification is great for sellers with varied product types (be it electronics or skincare that might need extra care).

One standout aspect of SF Express is that it owns a large fleet of cargo aircraft under its subsidiary SF Airlines. With dozens of jets in operation, SF can fly packages quickly between key hubs. For example, they run dedicated cargo flights linking China to Europe and North America, which has been crucial in speeding up cross-border deliveries. As of recently, SF Airlines had around 80+ cargo planes in service, making it the largest cargo airline fleet in China. For an e-commerce seller, this means SF isn’t just handing your parcel to commercial airlines – they’ve got their own planes, ensuring better control over air freight timelines.

Warehouse Network

In addition to transport, SF has been investing in warehousing and fulfillment solutions. SF’s warehouses in China allow merchants to store products closer to buyers for quicker dispatch. They also offer overseas warehouses in key markets (like the US and Europe) as part of their SF International service. It is useful if you want to keep some stock abroad for local delivery. Within China, SF’s standard distribution centers are strategically placed only minutes away from shipping hubs in many cases, meaning they can inject packages into transit very fast after an order comes in.

Reliability and Reputation

For domestic deliveries, SF Express is known for its “worry-free” service. They are often entrusted with important or high-value packages because of their strong track record. While many logistics firms in China rely on massive volume with varying service, SF carved a niche as a premium service focusing on customer experience. Sellers often report fewer lost packages and better handling with SF. The reliability can enhance your own store’s reputation when customers consistently get their orders intact and on time.

Use Case for Sellers

If your e-commerce business involves shipping to customers within China, SF Express is a top choice. For instance, suppose you run a global store but also take orders from Chinese consumers – routing those domestic orders through SF will likely yield faster delivery and happier customers.

Additionally, SF’s growing international reach (they now deliver to over 200 countries, partnering with local couriers abroad) means you can use them for cross-border fulfillment too. They offer e-packet-like services through SF eParcel and priority lines to places like the US, UK, Europe, etc., tailored for e-commerce parcels. While SF might not always be the cheapest option, their focus on quality service and robust infrastructure makes them one of China’s top warehouse-logistics solutions. It’s a reliable bridge connecting your China-sourced products with consumers around the world.

4. DHL Supply Chain China

DHL is a name that needs no introduction in global logistics. In China, DHL has a long-established presence, dating back to the early days of China’s opening up. For global sellers, DHL’s operations in China offer the reassurance of an international logistics giant handling your warehousing and distribution, combined with local expertise. DHL’s brand is synonymous with professionalism – and this holds true in its China warehousing services as well.

Presence in China

DHL operates through multiple divisions in China: DHL Express (for courier services), DHL Global Forwarding (for freight), and DHL Supply Chain (for contract logistics/warehousing). DHL Supply Chain China – sometimes in partnership with local players – runs numerous warehouses across major Chinese cities. The company has at least 15 large warehouse facilities in key hubs like Shanghai, Shenzhen, Beijing, and Guangzhou, with more in development. These are strategically located near manufacturing centers and ports/airports. So if your goods are produced in, say, the Pearl River Delta, DHL likely has a distribution center nearby to store and dispatch them.

Warehouse Solutions

DHL’s China warehouses are known for being world-class in terms of process and technology. They cater to a range of industries – from electronics to automotive parts – and are equipped with advanced Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) to keep inventory and orders flowing efficiently. A big advantage with DHL is their emphasis on integrated solutions. For instance, DHL can handle your inventory storage, order fulfillment, packaging, and even returns under one roof. They also focus on value-added services like quality inspections or kitting (useful if you need to bundle items or add inserts for different markets).

One example of DHL’s tech use in China: in a Shanghai apparel e-commerce warehouse co-run by DHL, they deployed an automated goods-to-person robot system (HaiPick) that boosted inbound sorting efficiency by 20x and outbound order processing by 3.5x. This kind of innovation means faster turnaround for your orders and scalability during peak seasons. DHL is continuously investing in smart logistics – they’ve tested augmented reality for order picking and use data analytics to optimize stock levels for clients.

Global Integration

Perhaps the biggest selling point for e-commerce sellers is DHL’s global network integration. Using DHL in China doesn’t just give you local warehousing; it plugs you into DHL’s international logistics web. Need to send bulk stock from the China warehouse to an Amazon FBA center in Europe? DHL can arrange that seamlessly through its air or sea freight channels. Need to fulfill individual orders to customers worldwide? DHL eCommerce or DHL Express can pick up from the warehouse and deliver door-to-door overseas. Essentially, DHL can act as a one-stop solution from factory floor in China to customer’s doorstep abroad. The company is the market leader in international express and contract logistics in China, which speaks to its expertise in navigating customs, compliance, and cross-border challenges.

When to Choose DHL

If your priority is top-notch professionalism, accountability, and truly international operations, DHL Supply Chain is a great choice. It might appeal to slightly larger-scale sellers or brands who need a trusted 3PL (third-party logistics provider) to manage complex supply chain needs. That said, DHL works with plenty of small businesses too, especially through its e-commerce fulfillment programs. You might find DHL’s warehouse solution ideal if you require multi-country fulfillment – for example, holding inventory in China but fulfilling both local Chinese orders and international orders from the same stock. With DHL, you get the confidence of a globally recognized logistics partner, which can be reassuring as you scale your e-commerce venture

5. Yun Express

In the world of cross-border e-commerce, Yun Express has risen as a specialist that many online sellers rely on. Founded in 2014, Yun Express (also stylized as YunExpress) is a Chinese logistics company focused on international small parcels and fulfillment. If you’ve ever ordered something from China and tracked it on a site like 17track, you might have seen Yun Express in the tracking info – they’re a behind-the-scenes player ensuring packages get from Chinese warehouses to overseas customers efficiently.

E-commerce Logistics Specialization: Yun Express lives and breathes e-commerce logistics. Unlike general carriers, they tailor their services to online sellers shipping large volumes of orders abroad. Yun Express offers a variety of “direct line” solutions, which are essentially optimized shipping routes from China to specific countries or regions. For example, they have dedicated lines to the USA, Europe (UK, Germany, France, Spain, etc.), Australia, Japan, and many more, often utilizing a mix of air freight and local last-mile delivery partners. According to their official data, Yun Express handles over 700,000 parcels daily on average– a testament to their volume and experience in the cross-border B2C arena.

Services and Strengths

Yun Express provides four main services: Cross-border business lines, FBA transfers, postal parcels, and international express. What does that mean for you?

- Cross-border B2C lines: These are their flagship routes where they consolidate e-commerce packages and fly them to destination countries, then inject into local postal networks (like USPS, Royal Mail, etc.) for final delivery. This yields faster shipping than China Post registered mail, often at reasonable rates, making it popular for sellers on Shopify or eBay who need a balance of speed and cost.

- FBA transfer: If you sell on Amazon and manufacture in China, YunExpress can ship your goods to Amazon FBA warehouses overseas, handling customs and duty along the way. They essentially act as a freight forwarder for FBA restocking, but with e-commerce in mind (e.g., they can split shipments by country, ensure labeling compliance, etc.).

- Postal parcel & international express: For some destinations or smaller sellers, they also offer standard postal solutions (like an ePacket equivalent) and partnerships with major couriers (like DHL, FedEx) where needed.

One of YunExpress’s big strengths is its IT system and tracking. They have an in-house platform (yuntrack.com) that gives detailed tracking updates, and they integrate well with platforms like AfterShip. As a seller, you can connect your order management system to YunExpress’s API, automating the fulfillment process – orders get picked up, shipped, and tracking numbers sync back to your store. This full digital integration is a time-saver.

Global Fulfillment Network

YunExpress not only moves parcels, but also has warehousing capabilities in China and abroad. In China, they operate several sorting hubs (in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, etc.) where they aggregate packages for export. Overseas, they’ve set up 10+ cargo transit centers in places like the UK, Germany, USA, France, Italy, Netherlands, Japan. These act like mini distribution centers – when your batch of packages arrives in, say, Los Angeles, YunExpress’s team there will sort them by US region and hand them to USPS for last mile. Yun Express's global fulfillment network means more control and often quicker processing through customs since YunExpress pre-handles the paperwork in bulk.

Why e-commerce sellers like YunExpress

In short, cost-efficiency and focus. YunExpress tends to offer competitive rates for cross-border e-commerce shipping, without the unpredictability that sometimes comes with postal mail. They also understand online sellers’ pain points – like the importance of tracking visibility, customs clearance for low-value parcels, and avoiding customer surprise on import fees (they often provide DDP – delivered duty paid – services on certain lines so the customer doesn’t have to pay duties upon arrival). If your business is shipping hundreds or thousands of orders from China to worldwide customers, YunExpress is like that reliable conveyor belt working in the background, making sure packages zip across the globe and into the right hands. It’s especially favored by sellers on marketplaces and those running independent stores who need an all-in-one logistics partner. Just note, YunExpress is primarily for international deliveries; they won’t deliver to a customer in China, but they’ll excel at getting your product from a China warehouse to a customer in New York or London with minimal fuss.

6. SendFromChina (SFC)

Rounding out our top six is SendFromChina, commonly known as SFC. If you’ve never heard of it, SFC is a bit different from the others on this list – it’s a dedicated China-based fulfillment service that caters to global e-commerce sellers. Think of SFC as your outsourced warehouse and shipping department in China. They’ve been around since 2007 and have grown into a popular solution for merchants who manufacture or source in China and want to ship directly to customers worldwide from there.

China Warehouse Network

SFC operates modern fulfillment centers, notably in Huizhou, Guangdong Province (a major manufacturing and export hub). Their main China warehouse boasts 40,000+ cubic meters of storage space, and they are equipped with automation for handling a high volume of orders. According to SFC, they can process over 300,000 orders per day through their system, which is impressive for a 3PL. The warehouses use barcoding and scanning at every step, yielding over 99.9% inventory accuracy and order delivery rate – basically, they make sure the right product gets packed and shipped every time with minimal error. If you’re worried about things like mis-picks or inventory mismatches, SFC’s tight operations help mitigate that.

Fulfillment Services

What does SFC do for you? In a nutshell: they store your products, pick & pack orders, and ship them out for you. This includes a range of tasks:

- Inventory storage and management: You send bulk stock from your factory to SFC’s warehouse. They’ll organize it and keep track of inventory levels.
- Order integration: SFC’s system can integrate with your online stores or marketplaces (they support API integrations with Amazon, eBay, Shopify, WooCommerce, etc.). The moment a customer places an order on your site, SFC gets notified.
- Pick, Pack, and Quality Check: SFC’s staff (and automation tools) will pick the ordered items, do a quick quality inspection, pack them securely (including any custom packaging you might require), and label them for shipment.
- Shipping: SFC then uses its network of shipping partners to send the package to your customer. They offer multitude of shipping options – from postal services to express couriers to dedicated cross-border lines (including their own SFC dedicated lines, which often leverage major logistics channels).

You can choose shipping methods based on cost or speed, and even mix services for different regions.

One cool aspect of SFC is that they support specialized fulfillment needs as well. For example, they have experience with crowdfunding fulfillment (Kickstarter/Indiegogo projects), where you might need to send thousands of rewards to backers worldwide – SFC can import your backer list and handle that bulk distribution. They also mention board game fulfillment, subscription boxes, and other niches that require careful kitting and global shipping, which shows flexibility to handle projects beyond just everyday e-commerce orders.

Consolidation and Localization

If a customer orders multiple items, SFC packs them in one shipment (saving cost). And if you have different suppliers within China, you can have them all send goods to SFC, who will combine and manage everything centrally. SFC also takes care of a lot of the nitty-gritty like customs paperwork for exports, ensuring your packets have the proper labels and documentation to smoothly reach customers in various countries. They are a tech-powered 3PL that’s especially friendly for startups and SMEs in e-commerce – essentially giving you enterprise-level fulfillment capabilities on a pay-as-you-go model. So if you’re sourcing from China and want to keep your supply chain lean, SendFromChina is a compelling option to consider for fulfilling worldwide orders with minimal hassle.

Why choose SFC

For global sellers, SFC can significantly simplify your logistics. Instead of shipping all your products from China to your home country and then out to customers (incurring double shipping costs and customs), you can keep the inventory in China and fulfill directly. It is often faster for international customers and can be more cost-effective. SFC essentially lets even small businesses have a “warehouse in China” without the overhead of running one. They maintain a high level of transparency – you can monitor stock levels and order statuses through their online dashboard in real time, almost as if it were your own warehouse management system.

7. Conclusion

Choosing the right warehouse solution in China can feel like a daunting decision, but it boils down to matching their strengths with your business needs.

8. FAQs

Q1: Do I need to be a big seller to use these warehouse services?

A: No, these services cater to both large and small businesses. Companies like SendFromChina and YunExpress are perfect for smaller sellers and allow you to store and ship on a per-order basis.

Q2: Can I use these services if I don’t sell on Alibaba or JD platforms?

A: Yes, most of these services are independent 3PLs (third-party logistics). You can use them regardless of where you sell, whether it’s Amazon, eBay, Shopify, or your own website.

Q3: How do these companies handle international shipping and customs?

A: These services take care of international shipping and customs. They handle paperwork, duties, and ensure your shipments clear customs smoothly. Your job is just to provide accurate product details.

Q4: Which service is best for fast international shipping?

A: For fast delivery, Cainiao, DHL, and YunExpress are good choices. DHL offers the quickest global shipping, while Cainiao and YunExpress provide efficient international options at a lower cost.

Q5: How do I choose the best service for my business?

A: Consider your customers' locations, sales channels, volume, and needs. For global reach, YunExpress or SFC are great, while SF or JD work well for Asia. Look at pricing, service options, and tech integration to make the best choice.