Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the largest celebrations in the world, observed by more than 1.5 billion people – primarily in China and across Asia, as well as within global diaspora communities. For international online shopping, especially on AliExpress where most sellers and suppliers are based in China, this holiday becomes a major challenge: factories, warehouses, ports, and logistics services nearly shut down for several weeks due to the massive nationwide travel period as workers return to their families.
The result – slower order processing, increased freight and product prices due to temporary shortages, and potential disruptions across supply chains.
However, with the right timing and preparation, this period can actually work to your advantage. In this guide focused on the upcoming 2026 Spring Festival, which begins on February 17, we break down the practical implications for shoppers: how to avoid delays, adapt to AliExpress’ holiday operating mode, and make the most of available deals – step by step, with clear tips and examples.
What Chinese New Year Is
This traditional holiday is based on the lunisolar calendar and symbolizes renewal and the start of a new annual cycle. It officially lasts 15 days, but preparation and post-holiday recovery stretch across 4-6 weeks. In China, it’s a national holiday with mandatory time off (usually 7-8 days), during which factories fully close and the transportation system becomes overloaded due to massive travel – around 9 billion trips are made across the country during this period each year.
For AliExpress, the impact is significant: the platform itself stays online, but most operations depend on Chinese suppliers, meaning orders may be delayed, shipping becomes slower, and logistics costs (including freight rates) rise due to limited capacity. This affects casual shoppers as well as dropshippers and small businesses importing products.
In 2026, the situation may be even more challenging due to potential labor shortages and global factors such as trade tariffs, which could lead to longer delays. If you plan to order electronics, clothing, or home décor, consider this a reminder to shop earlier to avoid headaches later.
Chinese New Year 2026 Dates
In 2026, Chinese New Year begins on February 17 and continues until March 3 (ending with the Lantern Festival). Official public holidays in China run from February 17 to February 23, though many companies extend time off for an additional 1-2 weeks.
According to the Chinese zodiac, 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse – a symbol of energy and speed, which ironically contrasts with the slowdown in global trade during the holiday.
The shopping impact extends beyond the official dates and includes the preparation phase, the shutdown peak, and the recovery period. Here are the key stages:
- Preparation (mid-January – early February): Factories reduce output, demand rises, and freight costs increase by 25-50%. It’s best to place orders before January 18 to avoid delays.
- Peak holiday period (February 10 – late February): Mass closures of factories, warehouses, and logistics hubs (including Cainiao and China Post) for 1-3 weeks. New orders are not processed, and existing shipments may remain stuck in queues.
- Recovery (early March – mid-March): Operations resume but with accumulated backlogs, adding 2-6 additional weeks to delivery times. This period may also bring clearance discounts from suppliers.
| Stage | Dates (2026) | Impact on AliExpress |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Mid-January – February 10 | Rising prices, product shortages, last chance for fast delivery |
| Peak holiday | February 10 – March 3 | Order processing paused, shipping halted |
| Recovery | March 3 – mid-March | Backlogs, 2–6 extra weeks of delays, possible discounts |
These dates follow the standard lunisolar calendar, but it’s always wise to double-check updates on the official AliExpress.com website or in the mobile app as the holiday approaches, since schedules may vary slightly by region.
Impact on AliExpress and Global Logistics
Chinese New Year turns regular online shopping into a bit of a gamble if you’re not prepared. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how it affects you as a shopper and what to expect during this period.
- Order processing and delivery delays: Standard delivery times (15-60 days) may stretch to 30-90 days or even longer due to port congestion and increased freight rates. After the holiday, factories reopen slowly, which can sometimes cause packing mistakes or reduced product quality. For international deliveries (including Europe, the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK), expect additional delays due to customs procedures.
- Product availability and price changes: As demand rises before the holiday, popular items (especially electronics and clothing) often increase in price by 10-20% and go out of stock quickly. During the CNY period, many sellers activate “Vacation Mode”, meaning no new orders are accepted. After the holiday, shortages are common due to workers not returning immediately.
- Buyer Protection risks: AliExpress automatically extends Buyer Protection by 10-30 days, allowing you to open a dispute and get a refund if an item isn’t shipped. However, this still doesn’t compensate for lost time, especially with urgent purchases or dropshipping orders where your reputation may be impacted.
- Global-scale effects: For bulk shipments, expect container prices to rise (up to 50%) and heavy congestion at airports. In past years, delays reached up to six weeks, and 2026 will likely follow a similar pattern.
These factors make CNY a real test of planning for every AliExpress shopper.
How to Avoid Delays
The good news is that with the right approach, you can significantly reduce the risks. Below is a complete strategy set for 2026, including practical examples and advice.
- Plan and order early: Start as early as November-December 2025. Ideally, finish your purchases by February 1, 2026, and place large or high-demand orders before January 18. Example: If you need a smartphone, order it in December so it ships before the peak period. For dropshippers – prepare inventory for 4-6 weeks in advance.
- Choose alternative shipping options and sellers: Look for items marked “Shipping from [Your Country]” or “Local Warehouse” (available in the US, UK, EU countries, Canada, Australia, or Turkey). Avoid China Post or ePacket; choose AliExpress Standard Shipping or premium carriers like DHL or FedEx for faster delivery. Example: Filtering by “Local Delivery” can cut shipping time down to 7-14 days.
- Track activity and check seller notices: Before buying, read the seller’s “Holiday Notice,” which indicates their vacation dates. If it isn’t displayed, message the seller directly. Use the AliExpress mobile app for real-time tracking. For business buyers: Test multiple suppliers in advance.
- Avoid price spikes and shortages: Shop during pre-holiday sales (November-January), when discounts can reach up to 90%. After the holiday, in March, expect the AliExpress Anniversary Sale. If an item is especially important, order duplicates from different sellers to reduce risk.
- Extra advice for dropshippers and businesses: Pause ads or notify customers about longer delivery times during peak weeks. Diversify your sourcing (not only China). Use tools like the AliExpress Dropshipping Center to monitor product performance. Example: In previous years, many dropshippers switched to suppliers from Turkey to significantly shorten shipping times.
- If issues occur: Open a dispute on time if delivery exceeds the promised window. AliExpress supports buyers, but always keep screenshots and tracking data as proof.
These strategies, backed by the experience of thousands of shoppers, help turn the Chinese New Year period into an opportunity – not a problem.
Smart Shopping During Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year 2026 can be a great chance to save if you approach it thoughtfully. Start by selecting products, adding them to your Wishlist, and enabling discount notifications in the app. Also check the AliExpress sales calendar to plan your purchases before or after the holiday peak.
If you run a business, consider integrating the AliExpress API for automated order management – it reduces routine checks and helps maintain stable operations. If you specify your product category, I can tailor recommendations even further.
