I'm actually surprised at how little my packages (one, only) get rummaged though by customs, considering that I now live in a country with a huge list of items that can't be imported. My SIL in Maryland and I have more thorough inspections by Canada Customs and US Customs when we mailed stuff to each to each other before we moved overseas!

I wanted to add that delivery time will also vary by how long it takes packages to clear customs in any particular country, and that isn't a reflection of how the package was sent necessarily. I have no idea how quickly that happens in China.

More on the rummaging - if you're worried about theft, it's just best not to send stuff that makes your packages a target.

How much stuff does your sister need? Lands End has international shipping at $28 for up to $100 of merchandise.