BEIJING, Feb. 13 -- China's e-commerce industry is being tested as more than half of couriers are going home for the Lunar New Year holiday.

Though the State Post Bureau has urged companies to continue deliveries over the period, which lasts about three weeks, some have found it hard to cope with the shortage of labor.

Wu Bo of Best Express said they had to work around the clock to handle packages before Spring Festival, but efficiency may be affected as many couriers in big cities have to go back home.

Xiong Jun, a manager with STO Express, said more than half of its couriers in Beijing have gone home.

China's e-commerce industry employs some 1.2 million couriers. Though a large number of couriers go home for family reunions, some are choosing to stay as many Chinese people can't do without delivery services.

Liu Xin, a courier from YTO Express, said he would stay in Beijing during the holiday because he can earn several times his usual salary.