11:11 - China's biggest shopping holiday

The Story Behind 11.11 – How “Singles’ Day” Became the World’s Biggest Shopping Festival

Once known simply as “Singles’ Day,” November 11 originated in China as an anti-Valentine’s Day celebration. On this day, single people would treat themselves to various gifts — a day of self-appreciation. The date, 11.11, symbolizes four single individuals standing together.

In 2009, the Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba transformed this celebration into the world’s largest shopping event.

How did it all start?

Back in 1993, Chinese university students began celebrating “Singles’ Day” as a light-hearted joke. But in 2009, Alibaba decided to turn this symbolic day into a massive sales event with record-breaking discounts. During the first 11.11 sale, Alibaba’s sales increased by $7.8 million. By 2020, the company shattered all previous records — reaching $74 billion in sales within just 24 hours.

What happens on 11.11?

Today, 11.11 is not just a Chinese holiday — it’s a global shopping festival celebrated by millions around the world.

Here are some of the main online stores offering huge discounts:

1. Alibaba & Tmall – The pioneers of the 11.11 shopping event.

2. AliExpress – A massive variety of affordable and budget-friendly products.

3. Taobao – Known for its wide range of products and brands, both local and international.

4. JD.com – One of China’s biggest e-commerce platforms, especially popular for electronics.

5. Pinduoduo – The most budget-friendly and widely used Chinese shopping app.

What should you expect?

During the 11.11 sales, you can enjoy up to 90% discounts on countless product categories.

Shop online, order your packages from Chinese websites, and receive them within 3–8 business days!

For free registration and address setup, Space Cargo is here to help you.