The translation of the Chinese Civil Code posted on the Chinese Congress website is a disaster. See Why I decide to translate the Chinese Civil Code by myself.


Civil Code of the People's Republic of China

(Passed at the Third Session of the Thirteenth National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China on May 28, 2020)

Title 1 General Provisions

Chapter 1 General Rules

Section 1 This Code is enacted under the Constitution of the People's Republic of China to protect the legal rights and interests of entities, deal with the non-criminal legal relationships between entities, maintain social order and economic regulations, meet the requirements of developing Chinese socialism, and promote the core values of socialism.

Section 2 The personal and property relationships between entities, including individuals, legal entities, and unincorporated associations, are equally dealt with under civil laws.

Section 3 Entities' personal rights, property rights, and other legal rights and interests are protected under laws. Any organization or individual shall not infringe upon such rights and interests.

Section 4 All entities are under the equal protection of the laws when conducting activities.

Section 5 Entities are entitled to establish, amend, or terminate a legal relationship based on their intentions under the principle of free will when conducting activities.

Section 6 Entities should reasonably determine their rights and obligations under the principle of equality when conducting activities.

Section 7 Entities should be honest and honor commitments under the principle of good faith when conducting activities.

Section 8 Entities shall not violate the law, or derogate from public order or good morals when conducting activities.

Section 9 Entities shall act in a manner that facilitates resource conservation and ecological environment protection when conducting activities.

Section 10 Legal disputes shall be resolved pursuant to law. Customary law may control if there is no specific provision under the law, provided that public order and good morals shall not be derogated from.

Section 11 Other laws shall control if such laws provide specific provisions on certain legal relationships.

Section 12 Unless otherwise provided by law, all activities taking place within the territory of the People's Republic of China shall be governed by the laws of the People's Republic of China.