Overview

Cainiao, formally Cainiao Smart Logistics Network Limited, is a Chinese logistics infrastructure and technology company associated with Alibaba Group. It was launched on 28 May 2013 by Alibaba together with eight other companies, initially under the name China Smart Logistics Network. The business was created to coordinate logistics resources and improve the efficiency, visibility, and reach of parcel delivery rather than operate solely as a conventional single-carrier courier. Cainiao's activities cover several connected parts of the parcel ecosystem. These include express delivery, warehouse and fulfillment services, cross-border logistics, shipment coordination, parcel information systems, and neighborhood collection infrastructure. Its model relies on sharing and coordinating resources with other logistics companies, allowing Cainiao to function as a network and technology platform across multiple delivery participants. This positioning links the company closely to Alibaba's commerce ecosystem while also giving it a role in logistics beyond any one online marketplace. In mainland China, one of Cainiao's most visible consumer-facing services is Cainiao Station, or Cainiao Post. These courier collection points are commonly placed in residential neighborhoods and on university campuses. Packages addressed to a participating station can be redirected there for secure storage. Recipients receive notification and use a designated code to identify and collect the parcel, while some locations also accept outgoing shipments. The station model addresses the practical challenge of last-mile delivery in dense communities and helps consolidate deliveries that might otherwise require repeated household visits. Cainiao Express is another branded service. Through the Cainiao application, customers can request collection for parcels and documents. The service can also be used for selected transactions on Xianyu, Alibaba's second-hand marketplace, and for return shipments connected with purchases on Taobao. These consumer interfaces complement Cainiao's broader infrastructure role by connecting end users with shipping, returns, and delivery options. The company has also developed an international logistics role, supporting cross-border movement and delivery coordination. Its stated logistics ambition has included highly rapid delivery within China and the use of technology to connect warehouses, carriers, collection points, and customers. The available reference material does not establish a complete current list of countries, facilities, financial results, or independently verified delivery performance, so those details are not specified here. Cainiao's name combines the Chinese characters for “vegetable” and “bird.” The expression evokes an inexperienced or novice bird and carries a positive association with humility and willingness to learn. In business terms, the name fits the company's emphasis on learning across a network, integrating fragmented logistics resources, and using data and technology to improve operations. By March 2024, Alibaba stated that it held approximately 64 percent of Cainiao and announced a plan to acquire the remaining approximately 36 percent of the shares. That proposal represented a move toward closer ownership integration with Alibaba. The reference material does not confirm the final completion status of that transaction, so Cainiao is described as Alibaba-backed and active rather than assigning a definitive post-transaction ownership structure.

History

Cainiao was launched on 28 May 2013 by Alibaba Group together with eight other companies. Its original name was China Smart Logistics Network, reflecting the founding concept of building a shared logistics infrastructure rather than creating a narrowly defined parcel carrier. The venture was intended to improve the coordination of China's rapidly expanding e-commerce deliveries by linking logistics companies, warehouses, delivery information, and collection infrastructure. The company developed as a network-oriented logistics provider. Instead of relying only on its own courier fleet, Cainiao shared resources with other logistics companies and used technology to coordinate movement and information across participants. This approach enabled it to support express delivery, warehousing, cross-border logistics, and last-mile services while remaining closely connected to Alibaba's online commerce ecosystem. A major consumer-facing development was Cainiao Station, a network of parcel pickup points in mainland China. Stations were placed in locations such as residential communities and university campuses. When a parcel was routed to a participating station, it could be stored on numbered shelves and collected by the recipient after notification. A four-digit code and self-service scanning process were used to identify and release packages. Some stations also supported outgoing shipments, extending their role beyond passive parcel storage. Cainiao also operates Cainiao Express, through which customers can request pickup of packages and documents using the Cainiao application. The service has been available as a shipping option for certain Xianyu transactions and for return shipments associated with Taobao purchases. These services illustrate Cainiao's combination of logistics infrastructure with consumer-facing digital tools. The company's scope includes cross-border logistics and international delivery coordination in addition to its domestic Chinese activities. Cainiao has promoted rapid delivery and the use of technology to improve logistics efficiency, although the available reference material does not provide a complete, independently verified account of current delivery times, geographic coverage, revenue, or operating scale. In May 2018, reference material identified Cainiao as one of China's largest unicorn companies and associated it with a valuation of 100 billion yuan. Because this is a historical valuation rather than a current financial figure, it is not treated as a present company valuation in this dossier. On 26 March 2024, Alibaba announced that it would acquire the remaining approximately 36 percent of Cainiao's shares. Alibaba was reported to hold approximately 64 percent at the time. The available source does not confirm the final closing of the proposed acquisition. Cainiao therefore remains characterized here as an active Alibaba-backed logistics company, with the ownership transition recorded as a proposed transaction rather than a completed one.

2024
Alibaba proposes full ownership
[1]Cainiao - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
Alibaba announces a plan to acquire the approximately 36 percent of Cainiao shares it did not already hold.
2018
Cainiao reaches major-unicorn status
[1]Cainiao - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
Reference material describes Cainiao in May 2018 as one of China's largest unicorn companies, with a reported valuation of 100 billion yuan.
2013
Cainiao is launched
[1]Cainiao - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
Alibaba Group and eight other companies launch Cainiao on 28 May 2013 under the earlier name China Smart Logistics Network.

Products and positioning

Technology-driven smart logistics infrastructure and network coordination

Last-mile parcel collection
Cainiao Station
Cainiao Station is a network of courier pickup points across mainland China, often located in residential neighborhoods and on university campuses. Parcels can be redirected to a station, stored on organized shelves, and collected after recipients receive a notification. Users identify packages with a designated code and complete collection through a scanning process. Some stations also accept outgoing parcels, making them local access points for both delivery and shipment.
Express delivery
Cainiao Express
Cainiao Express is a branded courier service that allows customers to request pickup of packages and documents through the Cainiao application. It can serve as a shipping method for selected Xianyu transactions and supports return shipments associated with Taobao purchases. The offering connects Cainiao's digital logistics interface with physical parcel collection and delivery operations.
Logistics technology platform
Cainiao application
The Cainiao application provides consumer-facing access to selected logistics functions, including shipment pickup requests and delivery-related services. It serves as an interface between customers and Cainiao's broader network of logistics, express, return, and collection operations.

Controversies

2025
Cainiao Post Stations' 100-Yuan 'Fine' for Unscanned Pickups Sparks Controversy
In October 2025, consumers reported that after picking up parcels at Cainiao Post stations without scanning them out, the stations demanded a 100-yuan "fine," sparking heated discussion. Responses from multiple parties said stations have no right to fine users; only statutory administrative organs have punishment power. The Measures for the Administration of the Express Delivery Market, effective since March 2024, explicitly state that express deliveries may not be left at stations without consent; the Cainiao Post station model has also long been criticized for "not delivering to the door." Cainiao responded that it will investigate and handle the matter.
Source

Brand decisions

2024
Alibaba proposes to acquire Cainiao's remaining sharesM&A
Background
Alibaba reported holding approximately 64 percent of Cainiao and announced a plan to acquire the remaining approximately 36 percent.
Action taken
Alibaba announced a proposed transaction to move toward full ownership of Cainiao.
Aftermath
The available reference does not confirm whether the acquisition was completed, so its final ownership consequences remain unverified in this dossier.
Source

Recent events

Unconfirmed
Cainiao and State Grid Ningbo Power Supply Company announce logistics cooperation[8]菜鸟与国网宁波供电公司宣布开展物流合作donews.com
Cainiao and State Grid Ningbo Power Supply Company announced cooperation to design a digital logistics network for power materials in eastern Zhejiang, including a digital turnover warehouse platform.
Unconfirmed
Reported2021.11.09
Cainiao launches express hub at Liège Airport[9]菜鸟在列日机场启用新的快递枢纽payloadasia.com
Cainiao launched a new express hub at Liège Airport.
Unconfirmed
Cainiao launches personal carbon account feature[10]菜鸟推出个人减碳账单功能finance.jrj.com.cn
Cainiao launched a feature that lets consumers view their personal carbon reductions since November 1, 2020, through the Taobao or Cainiao app.
2021.10.26
Cainiao Post launches network in Hong Kong[11]菜鸟驿站网络进入香港hellenicshippingnews.com
Cainiao announced its first Cainiao Post network outside Mainland China in Hong Kong, comprising 10 stations and 60 designated collection points.
2021.10.05
Reported2021.10.05
Cainiao and GLS Spain agree to support local delivery[12]菜鸟与GLS西班牙达成合作提供本地配送postandparcel.info
Cainiao reached an agreement with GLS Spain to provide a local delivery service for AliExpress merchants in Spain.
2021.10
Reported2021.10.05
Cainiao launches local delivery service for AliExpress merchants in Spain[12]菜鸟与GLS西班牙达成合作提供本地配送postandparcel.info
Cainiao officially launched a local delivery service for AliExpress merchants in Spain in October 2021; the service was then serving around 100 Spanish merchants.
Unconfirmed
Cainiao and Tmall Global launch distributed shipping for bonded goods[13]菜鸟与天猫国际开通保税品分仓发货服务finance.jrj.com.cn
Cainiao and Tmall Global introduced distributed bonded-warehouse shipping that enables next-day or same-day delivery for bonded goods.
2021.08.03
Reported2021.08.03
Alibaba Group releases fiscal Q1 results[14]阿里巴巴集团发布第一季度业绩finance.sina.com.cn
Alibaba Group released its fiscal 2022 first-quarter results. Cainiao's external revenue, excluding revenue from transactions with Alibaba Group, was 11.601 billion yuan, up 50% year over year.
2021.08.01
Reported2021.08.02
BEST launches China-to-Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia logistics service[15]BEST 推出中国至泰国、越南和柬埔寨的物流服务prnewswire.com
BEST launched a full-chain, direct logistics service shipping parcels from China to Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, operated in partnership with Cainiao Network.
Unconfirmed
Cainiao introduces precision RFID technology[16]菜鸟推出精准射频识别技术rfidworld.com.cn
Cainiao introduced its precision RFID technology, which the article says it developed over more than two years and which had reached 99.8% identification accuracy and was ready for large-scale commercial use.