How to Use Hivebox (Hangzhou’s Most Popular Parcel Dropbox)

Express delivery in China is incredibly convenient, with most small-to-medium parcels delivered to smart dropboxes. In Hangzhou, nearly every residential compound and building is equipped with such dropboxes, and Hivebox (provided by SF Express) is the most widely used. Below is a complete guide to understanding and using Hivebox.

1. Getting to Know Hivebox

Hivebox is easily recognizable by its green color. Each Hivebox unit consists of a touchscreen and 4–8 rows of full-height lockers, with three locker sizes (small, medium, large) to fit different parcel volumes.

- In compounds with high parcel volumes: Multiple Hivebox units are often placed in a row, marked with #1, #2, #3, etc. You’ll need to check your notification to find the correct unit. - In large compounds: Hiveboxes are placed at multiple locations (e.g., near building entrances). Couriers will place your parcel in the unit closest to your home, and your notification will specify the exact location.

2. Reading Hivebox Notifications

You’ll receive a notification via mobile when your parcel is deposited or picked up (for returns). The notification channel depends on whether you’ve followed the Hivebox WeChat official account:

• If you have not followed the Hivebox WeChat account: Notifications are sent via SMS (text message) to your registered phone number.
• If you have followed the Hivebox WeChat account: Notifications are sent via WeChat (no SMS will be sent).

3. How to Follow the Hivebox WeChat Account

Following the Hivebox WeChat account (named "丰巢" in Chinese) makes it easier to track parcels, receive notifications, and manage pick-ups. Here’s how:

• Open WeChat → Tap "Discover" → Select "Scan QR Code" (or search for "丰巢" in the WeChat search bar).
• Tap "Follow" to subscribe to the official account.
• Bind your phone number (the same one used for online shopping) to receive personalized notifications.

4. How to Pick Up a Parcel from Hivebox

Once you’ve found the correct Hivebox unit, follow these steps to pick up your parcel. The touchscreen has three main buttons:

Tap 取件 (Pick Up), then choose one of two verification methods:

• Method 1: Scan QR Code (WeChat required)
  • Ensure your WeChat account is bound to your phone number (the one used for the parcel).
  • Open the Hivebox WeChat notification → Tap the "Scan to Pick Up" link to generate a QR code.
  • Hold the QR code up to the Hivebox scanner (next to the touchscreen) for verification. The locker with your parcel will open automatically.
• Method 2: Enter Pick-Up Code
  • Find the 6-digit pick-up code in your SMS/WeChat notification.
  • On the Hivebox screen, enter the 6-digit code and tap "Confirm." The corresponding locker will open.