Agree with moondog. At many China Post stations, there is a separate counter to buy boxes and packing tape, and to obtain assistance in packing. Cost is usually about $1-2, and is separate from postage. Sea mail is probably the most feasible option for most heavy, non-breakable items. The clerk will claim it will take 2-3 months to ship, but it is actually closer to 1-1.5 months. Keep the declared value low -- in other words, don't declare your goods using their corresponding US/Canadian/W European prices as a valuation basis. Also, don't ship DVD's, VCD's, or CD's via China Post; you could be setting yourself up for a customs imbroglio later. If you don't speak Chinese, it might also be helpful for you to have a contact in China assist you at the post office.