China Handbookby Mobi & Toro

Taobao: sign up and get things delivered

China's biggest online marketplace. Order to your hotel and pick it up at the front desk.

Last checked · reviewed quarterly

Photo walkthrough coming soonWe only publish steps after checking every screen on a real phone in China. Until then, use the overview below and the official links.

Taobao (淘宝, Táobǎo) sells almost everything — from phone chargers to clothes and souvenirs. It works hand in hand with Alipay.

Before you order

  • Address in Chinese: couriers read Chinese addresses. Use the one saved in your address card.
  • A phone number: couriers usually call or message when they arrive. With a foreign number, add a note asking them to leave the parcel at the front desk.
  • Returns: if you're only in China for a short time, a return may be hard to arrange. Check the size and description carefully.

Official sources