Everyday Legal Traps

If you know a message about a disaster, epidemic, or police incident is false yet still share it, you’ll face penalties just as severe as if you had fabricated it yourself. Even if you didn’t create the content, you could be detained for 5 to 10 days and fined up to 1,000 yuan. Intentionally disrupting social order can land you in prison for up to 3 years, while causing serious consequences may result in a sentence of 3 to 7 years. Any photoshopped images or AI-generated fake scene pictures are treated as self-created content as well.

Cost

No cost involved. Simply check whether the message is an official announcement before sharing. If you’re unsure, don’t share it, and avoid editing images or adding phrases like “allegedly.” The real challenge is resisting the urge to be the first person to spread the news.

Benefit

Those who deliberately spread rumors or make false reports about disasters, epidemics, or police incidents to disrupt public order can be detained for 5 to 10 days and fined up to 1,000 yuan. For less serious cases, the penalty is detention for under 5 days or a fine under 1,000 yuan. Creating and posting fake reports about such incidents online also carries a maximum 3-year prison term, even if you know the content is untrue. This applies only when the actions cause significant disruption to social order, as defined by law. If serious consequences arise, the sentence rises to 3 to 7 years nationwide.

Note

Sharing known false content carries the same legal penalties as creating it yourself; claiming “I just shared it” offers no exemption. Photoshopped images and AI-generated fake scene pictures are also considered self-created content. In 2025, China’s Ministry of Public Security released multiple batches of typical cases involving online rumors about disasters and emergencies. At the time of writing, the ministry’s website was inaccessible, so no specific examples were cited.

Making jokes about heroes, martyrs, the national flag, or anthem can lead to a detention period of 5 to 10 days, or a fine ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 yuan for minor violations. More serious cases result in 10 to 15 days of detention. If the act constitutes a crime, the offender faces up to 3 years in prison. In one case, a person posted two remarks defaming Yuan Longping in a WeChat group with 499 villagers; they were sentenced to 6 months of control, a penalty that restricts their movements without requiring imprisonment.

Cost

No cost at all. There is absolutely no need to comment on, edit, or forward any content related to heroes, martyrs, the national flag, emblem, or anthem. The real difficulty lies in resisting the urge to join in when someone else makes a joke in a group chat.

Benefit

Those who insult, slander, or fabricate false information about heroes and martyrs, thereby harming their names, portraits, reputations, or honors and infringing on public interests, face the same penalties as above: 5 to 10 days of detention or a fine of 1,000 to 3,000 yuan. The same penalties apply to anyone who distorts or denies the deeds and spirit of heroes, or spreads content glorifying aggressive wars. For more serious violations, the penalty is 10 to 15 days of detention plus a fine of up to 5,000 yuan. When the offense reaches the level of “serious circumstances”, it becomes a criminal act punishable by up to 3 years in prison. The same maximum sentence applies to anyone who publicly insults the national flag or emblem, or alters or sings the national anthem in a distorted, derogatory manner. Official examples include: Xiao, who posted two defamatory remarks about Yuan Longping in a group chat of 499 villagers, was sentenced to 6 months of control; Qiu, who posted two posts distorting the deeds of border defense soldiers to his over 2.5 million followers on Weibo, was sentenced to 8 months in prison and required to issue a public apology via national media.

Note

This provision was added to the Law on Public Security Administration Punishments only in its 2025 revision. Prior to that, such violations could only be addressed under criminal law or through civil public interest litigation initiated by procuratorial authorities. A WeChat group with several hundred members is considered a public setting under judicial interpretation.

Viewing overseas websites is not restricted by law, but downloading, screenshotting, or reposting content to domestic groups or social media is legally classified as dissemination. If that material touches on state security, inciting subversion, or separatism, penalties range from administrative detention to multi-year prison sentences. An explicit exception applies to materials promoting terrorism or extremism: simply possessing such files with knowledge of their nature is a crime carrying up to three years in prison under Article 120-6 of the Criminal Law. For all other sensitive foreign content, simply close the browser window — never screenshot, save, or share it anywhere.

Cost

No cost involved. Once the page is closed, the matter is over. There is no need to archive, share, or repost the content to domestic platforms. You also don’t need an account tied to your real identity to post political content on foreign platforms, nor should you accept any payments or funding from foreign agencies, organizations, or individuals. The real challenge is resisting the urge to screenshot or share content that seems shocking or provocative.

Benefit

Those who spread false information, slander, or otherwise incite others to subvert state authority or overthrow socialism face up to five years in prison; leaders or major offenders may receive up to fifteen years. Similar penalties apply to those inciting separatism or undermining national unity. Collaborating with foreign entities to commit these acts results in harsher sentences. Funding such activities from abroad leads to penalties of five years or less for responsible individuals; repeat offenders face more than five years. Illegally obtaining or providing state secrets or intelligence to foreign entities results in five to ten years in prison; especially severe cases may lead to life imprisonment or over ten years. Even lesser violations still incur a mandatory deprivation of political rights for one to five years, during which voting rights and eligibility for public office are suspended. Additional penalties may include confiscation of personal assets. Administrative violations also carry penalties.

Note

The provisions cited here apply to actions of inciting others, spreading content, or providing it to third parties — not merely viewing it. This rule applies only to ordinary content. Materials promoting terrorism or extremism are explicitly exempted by law; mere possession of such materials can lead to criminal charges (Article 120-6). For these materials, refraining from archiving or sharing is not merely a precaution — it is a legal requirement. Upon encountering such content, you must stop at viewing it alone: no screenshots, no sharing, no comments, and no attempts to involve others. Reposting or commenting is deemed dissemination, and claims such as “I only reposted it” do not serve as a defense. Content originating from foreign platforms may attract even harsher penalties. When in doubt about authenticity, avoid sharing it altogether — this aligns with the advice in Section 1 of this chapter regarding not sharing unverified information. Penalties related to the use of tools for circumventing internet restrictions are covered in Section 11, Article 11. In reality, sharing such content offers no tangible benefits; instead, it risks lengthy imprisonment, loss of political rights, and confiscation of assets. Publicly documented cases involving similar offenses are rare, typically reported only by foreign media or disclosed by family members; one example is a blogger who posted political commentary abroad and was sentenced to seven years in 2023. As no official court rulings have been verified for this book, this section outlines legal provisions without referencing specific cases.

Watching porn privately is perfectly legal and not prohibited by law. However, posting it in a group counts as distributing it to everyone in that group. Penalties include detention from 10 to 15 days and fines up to 5,000 yuan; more serious cases may result in up to 2 years in prison. Those who profit by selling or distributing such content face up to 3 years in prison, while repeat or severe offenders may be sentenced to 3–10 years, or even life imprisonment. Creating a group with 30 or more members solely for sharing porn also constitutes a crime — organizers, admins, and primary posters all face criminal charges.

Cost

There’s no expense involved. Simply avoid forwarding, saving to group files, or becoming an admin or owner of such groups.

Benefit

Distributing porn online leads to detention from 10 to 15 days plus fines up to 5,000 yuan. For lesser offenses, penalties may be limited to detention under 5 days or fines between 1,000 and 3,000 yuan. Cases involving minors incur harsher penalties. When distribution reaches “serious” levels, sentences can reach 2 years in prison; profit-driven activities may result in up to 3 years of imprisonment plus fines. Severe cases warrant 3–10 years in prison, while extreme circumstances may lead to life imprisonment or indefinite detention. Establishing a group of 30+ members dedicated to sharing porn also constitutes a criminal act, with organizers, admins, and primary posters all convicted under the same statute nationwide.

Note

Both laws target “distribution” rather than private viewing. Yet posting content in a group is treated as distribution to all members. The exact threshold defining “serious circumstances” is set by judicial interpretation; this section does not specify exact figures.

These part-time jobs promise only a few hundred dollars in earnings, yet they can leave you with a criminal record. One person brought his ID and a single bank card to a designated location, helped with transfers and withdrawals, and earned just over $500. Even though prosecutors did not file charges, police still detained him for 10 days and fined him $1,000. Another individual handed over his own and others’ bank cards plus SIM cards to a criminal group for cash handling; he was sentenced to 2 years and 3 months in prison and fined $22,000.

Cost

There is no direct monetary cost, but you should steer clear of any “pay-per-day” gigs that require you to bring a bank card to a bank branch.

Benefit

Anyone who knowingly helps move, buy, sell, or otherwise conceal money or property obtained through illegal activity can face up to three years in prison, a fine, or both. Official case example: Wang was instructed to bring his ID and a bank card to a specific spot, where he assisted with transfers and withdrawals, earning a little over $500. No prosecution followed, but police detained him for 10 days under anti‑telecom‑fraud laws and imposed a $1,000 fine. Man was also convicted of providing his own and others’ bank cards and SIM cards for criminal cash handling; he received a 2‑year‑3‑month sentence plus a $22,000 fine (nationwide).

Note

The consequences of lending your bank card to others or acting as a “money mule” are covered in Section 8, Item 8. This entry deals with cases where you personally perform the withdrawals and transfers. Claiming “I had no idea where the money came from” is unlikely to be accepted by authorities. When the payout seems unreasonably high, facial‑recognition verification is required, and the transaction looks suspicious, these facts alone can prove you were aware of the illegal nature of the activity. At minimum, you risk a 10‑day detention and a permanent criminal record.

Helping others “package” loan applications in order to get a cut of the proceeds is a form of fraud. One criminal gang of 126 members turned unemployed individuals into “prime customers” and tricked over 80 banks into issuing loans totaling more than 30 million yuan. Those who signed the loan documents on behalf of the applicants received 30% of each loan amount as a commission. Out of the 80 people convicted so far, 76 have been sentenced to between 1 year and 4 months and 6 years and 6 months in prison. Remember: the person whose name appears on the loan contract is legally responsible for repaying it.

Cost

There’s no cost at all. Just say no. Never lend your ID card or credit report to anyone, sign any loan contracts you haven’t read, or go to the bank to sign on someone else’s behalf.

Benefit

Committing fraud to obtain loans, acceptance letters, letters of credit, or guarantees from banks or other financial institutions is a serious crime. If such actions cause substantial financial harm, offenders face up to 3 years in prison plus a fine; if the damage is especially severe, sentences range from 3 to 7 years, also with fines. The threshold for police investigation is a direct financial loss exceeding 500,000 yuan. Those who fabricate investment projects, fake contracts, or forged documents to secure loans commit loan fraud — this crime is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and fines ranging from 20,000 to 200,000 yuan if the amount obtained is 50,000 yuan or more. Larger sums or more serious circumstances lead to sentences from 5 to 10 years, or even life imprisonment. Forging, altering, or selling official government documents or seals carries penalties of up to 3 years; more serious cases result in 3–10 years in prison. A notable case involved 126 criminals who created fake “prime customers” in 16 provinces and tricked over 80 banks out of more than 30 million yuan; 105 “front” applicants were prosecuted. In 2026, 76 of them received sentences of 1 year and 4 months to 6 years and 6 months for loan fraud, while four others were additionally convicted of money laundering and received sentences from 2 years and 4 months to 7 years and 6 months. Under the 2021 amendment to the Criminal Law, anyone who signs a loan contract becomes legally liable for repayment — even if they never intended to pay, the debt and negative credit record remain theirs. Attempts to flee abroad won’t help; fugitives can still be extradited years later. Those serving sentences, under investigation, or involved in civil disputes may be barred from leaving the country. For details on how to spot unauthorized loans taken out in your name, see Section 8, Item 9.

Note

In one case, the defense argument “I intended to repay the loan” was rejected. Prosecutors proved that the defendants had no jobs or assets, had already spent their commission, and thus had no real intention of repayment. Those who withdraw funds on behalf of the gang may also be charged with money laundering. For information on using personal bank accounts for “side jobs” or receiving money on someone else’s behalf, see Section 5; for how to detect fraudulent loans taken out in your name, see Section 8, Item 9.

Keeping found items for personal use when the value reaches “a relatively large amount” without returning them is a criminal offense known as misappropriation, punishable by up to 2 years in prison. If the amount is especially large, the sentence rises to 2–5 years. Using a found credit card at an ATM to withdraw cash is even more serious — it constitutes “unauthorized use of another person’s credit card.” When the amount involved is relatively large, offenders face up to 5 years in prison plus fines ranging from 20,000 to 200,000 yuan. In such cases, police open a case automatically without needing any complaint from the owner.

Cost

No cost at all — it only takes a few minutes. Simply call the owner or bring the items to a police station.

Benefit

Returning lost items to their rightful owners promptly — whether by notifying them directly or handing them over to police or other authorities — is both lawful and ethical. Failing to do so when the value reaches “a relatively large amount” may lead to criminal charges of misappropriation (up to 5 years in prison). Using a found credit card at an ATM is classified as “unauthorized use of another person’s credit card” and is treated as credit card fraud; offenders may receive sentences of 5–10 years and fines from 50,000 to 500,000 yuan, depending on the amount and circumstances (nationwide).

Note

Misappropriation is a crime that requires a formal complaint from the owner before police can intervene; otherwise, they cannot act on it. However, using a found credit card at an ATM falls under a different category — police can initiate proceedings without any prior complaint. The exact monetary threshold defining “a relatively large amount” is set by judicial interpretation and was not verified for this section. After items are handed over to authorities, owners may be required to pay storage fees when reclaiming them (Civil Code, Article 317).

Using your own real identity and one account to claim a discount is perfectly fine. Creating multiple fake accounts or placing orders yourself just to get extra coupons is considered fraud. If you defraud someone out of 3,000 yuan or more, you can be sentenced to up to three years in prison; amounts over 30,000 yuan bring penalties of three to ten years. In one case, delivery workers bought virtual phone numbers for just 0.1 yuan each, used them to claim coupons, and together generated over 90,000 yuan in illicit gains; twelve people involved received sentences ranging from three years and six months to three months of detention. Additionally, one individual managed to obtain 29 yuan in discounts through such means.

Cost

There is no cost involved. You simply avoid taking part in “coupon‑hunting groups” and stay away from any platform loopholes. The hard part is resisting the urge to treat these discounts as a repeatable source of income.

Benefit

Defrauding others or the state of money is punishable by up to three years in prison plus a fine when the amount is relatively small. Larger sums or aggravating circumstances raise the sentence to three‑to‑ten years, and extremely large amounts can lead to more than ten years or even life imprisonment, along with heavy fines or asset confiscation. Each province sets its own thresholds: “relatively small” means 3,000–10,000 yuan; “large” is 30,000–100,000 yuan; “extremely large” starts at 500,000 yuan. Teaching or selling methods for fraud carries a maximum five‑year sentence, with harsher penalties for serious cases. Buying or selling phone numbers and verification codes is a violation of personal‑information laws, punishable by up to seven years in prison. Automated systems for mass account creation or SMS verification are expressly banned under anti‑telecom‑fraud statutes. Illegal trading or lending of phone cards and online accounts also incurs fines of one‑to‑ten times any illicit profit; if no profit is made, fines can reach 500,000 yuan, and repeat offenders may face up to fifteen days of detention. Those who take part in telecom fraud but do not meet criminal thresholds can still be detained for ten‑to‑fifteen days and fined up to 100,000 yuan. Official cases illustrate these rules: delivery workers who bought cheap virtual numbers to claim discounts and resell goods were sentenced to three years and six months to three months of detention; another individual who exploited refund loopholes to obtain collectibles received three years of probation plus a 30,000‑yuan fine; a group that abused new‑user coupons across nineteen provinces was prosecuted, with several leaders receiving three‑year‑and‑six‑month sentences. One offender managed to secure 1156 yuan in illicit gains, while another obtained 224 yuan through similar tactics. Furthermore, a third individual was found to have earned 249,000 yuan, and a fourth secured 330,000 yuan via fraudulent means. In yet another instance, a person obtained 70 yuan in unauthorized discounts, and another managed to gain 2,000,000 yuan through such actions. Finally, one individual succeeded in acquiring 163 yuan, and another secured 34 yuan in illicit profits.

Note

The key distinction is not how much you obtain, but whether you create false identities. Using your own real identity, one account per promotion, and applying the discount to yourself is perfectly allowed. Registering fake users, fabricating transactions, or concealing prior refunds to trick a platform into granting extra discounts is classified as fraud; the monetary amount only determines the length of the sentence. Even if the sum is below the criminal threshold, platforms may still ban accounts, revoke discounts, and demand repayment. Mere participation in telecom‑fraud schemes, even without meeting criminal criteria, can result in detention and fines. Being guided by others or paid per transaction does not change the nature of your own actions. Teaching fraud techniques or selling accounts and phone numbers are separate offenses that are punished cumulatively.

Even if you throw something from a height and do not hit anyone, you can still be detained for up to 5 days and fined 1,000 yuan. For more serious cases, the detention period rises to 10–15 days. If your actions do end up hitting someone, the charges become even more severe. For example, a man who was drunk on the 21st floor threw empty bottles and glass cups down to a playground below, striking a 13-year-old student and leaving them with serious injuries; he was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Another individual threw 8 bricks from the 32nd floor, killing one person; in 2024, the Supreme People’s Court approved a death sentence for this offender.

Cost

This costs nothing and takes no time at all. Simply bring cigarette butts, trash bags, and bottles indoors and toss them in the household trash bin; never throw them out of windows or from balconies.

Benefit

Throwing objects from heights or other elevated locations can lead to detention for up to 5 days or a fine of up to 1,000 yuan, provided there is any risk of harming people, damaging property, or threatening public safety. For more serious violations, the detention period rises to 10–15 days, plus an additional fine of up to 1,000 yuan. If the act meets the criteria for the crime of throwing objects from heights, the offender faces up to 1 year in prison, plus a fine imposed either alongside the sentence or on its own. Cases involving injury or death to others are prosecuted under even stricter criminal statutes. A notable official case involves Li, who threw empty bottles and glass cups from the 21st floor while intoxicated; he struck a 13-year-old student with severe injuries, resulting in a 10-year sentence for endangering public safety via dangerous acts. Another case involves Zhou, who hurled 8 bricks at a crowd from the 32nd floor, killing one person; his death sentence was approved by the Supreme People’s Court in 2024, marking a nationwide precedent.

Note

Detention can be imposed even if no one is harmed, as the law only requires proof of a potential risk. The Civil Code also contains a separate provision on civil compensation related to objects thrown from heights (Article 1254). At the time of writing, we were unable to access the original legal texts, so no direct citations are included here.

Any BB gun or air rifle purchased online that meets or exceeds a muzzle energy threshold of 1.8 joules per square centimeter is classified as a firearm. Possessing such a gun without a permit can lead to a sentence of up to 3 years in prison; more serious cases may result in 3 to 7 years. In one case, a couple sold “toy guns” at a local market. Of the 43 guns seized, 18 were confirmed to meet firearm standards. Since there was insufficient evidence to prove they knew these items were firearms, they were not prosecuted due to evidentiary doubts.

Cost

No cost involved. If you want to shoot, visit a licensed shooting range.

Benefit

Unauthorized possession or concealment of firearms without a permit is punishable by up to 3 years in prison; more serious cases may lead to 3 to 7 years. Non-standard guns that cannot fire standard ammunition are still classified as firearms if their muzzle energy meets or exceeds 1.8 joules per square centimeter. This energy value refers to the amount of energy per square centimeter carried by a projectile at the moment it leaves the barrel. Many BB guns and air rifles bought online exceed this threshold. Since 2018, the Supreme People’s Court and Supreme People’s Procuratorate have required that for air rifles with relatively low muzzle energy, factors such as appearance, material, price, intended use, and the owner’s awareness must be evaluated before determining whether a conviction is warranted. Official case example: The aforementioned couple sold “toy guns” at a market; 18 of the 43 seized guns met firearm standards. Due to insufficient evidence proving they knew these were firearms, they were not prosecuted on grounds of evidentiary uncertainty (nationwide).

Note

The key factor in deciding not to prosecute this case was the determination that the couple “had no knowledge” of the items being firearms. It is difficult for adults who deliberately purchase BB guns or air rifles online to later claim they had no idea they were firearms. This section does not include any verified information on how crossbows or controlled knives are regulated, so no details are provided here.

Flying a drone without proper registration can result in a fine of up to 200 yuan; repeat or serious violations may incur fines ranging from 2,000 to 20,000 yuan. Flying in restricted airspace without authorization carries a maximum fine of 500 yuan; in severe cases, the drone is confiscated and additional fines of 1,000–10,000 yuan apply. Serious violations may also lead to detention for 5–10 days. One individual paid to remove altitude restrictions on his drone, flew it to nearly 3,000 meters to capture cloud images, and posted the footage online; he was subsequently detained for 5 days.

Cost

Registering your drone is free and takes just a few minutes. Before every flight, check via official channels to confirm whether the area you plan to fly in is a restricted zone.

Benefit

Operators who fly without registration may be ordered to correct the issue and face fines up to 200 yuan; repeat or serious violations can lead to fines of 2,000–20,000 yuan. Flying micro, light, or small drones in restricted airspace without approval results in an order to cease flight and a fine of up to 500 yuan; in severe cases, the drone is confiscated and fines of 1,000–10,000 yuan apply. Serious violations involving unauthorized flight in restricted zones may also result in detention for 5–10 days. Official examples include: Mr. Li paid to bypass altitude limits, flew his drone to nearly 3,000 meters to photograph clouds and posted the footage online; he was detained for 5 days. Mr. Zhang helped others bypass altitude and no‑fly zone restrictions on over 20 drones, earning more than 15,000 yuan; he was convicted of providing programs or tools used to illegally access or control computer systems, sentenced to 6 months in prison with a 1‑year probation period, and fined (nationwide, effective January 2024).

Note

Micro and light drones may be flown in permitted airspace without prior approval. A micro drone is defined as one weighing less than 0.25 kilograms. Permitted airspace refers to all areas outside of restricted zones; airports, military installations, and government complexes are typically classified as restricted zones. The original Ministry of Public Security page detailing these rules could not be accessed at the time of writing; therefore, information was drawn from a republished page maintained by the Hubei Provincial Public Security Department.

Secretly watching, filming, or distributing someone else’s private information can lead to detention for up to 5 days, or a fine of up to 1000 yuan. For more serious cases, detention ranges from 5 to 10 days. Using dedicated secret filming equipment that results in severe consequences can result in a sentence of up to 2 years in prison. In one case, two individuals purchased secret filming equipment online and installed it in multiple rooms across three hotels to film remotely; they were sentenced to 1 year and 3 months and 1 year respectively. Installing surveillance cameras in your own home is permitted, but doing so in rooms used by others is prohibited.

Cost

There is no cost involved, nor does it require any time investment. Simply avoid secretly filming others or installing cameras in rented apartments, homestays, or hotel rooms.

Benefit

Those found guilty of secretly watching, filming, eavesdropping on, or distributing someone else’s private information face detention for up to 5 days, or a fine of up to 1000 yuan. For more serious cases, detention ranges from 5 to 10 days, plus an additional fine of up to 1000 yuan. Unlawful use of dedicated eavesdropping or secret filming equipment that causes serious harm can result in a sentence of up to 2 years in prison. Dedicated eavesdropping or secret filming equipment refers to devices specifically designed for covert listening or filming. Official case example: Yan Mouping and Yan Moujian purchased secret filming equipment online and installed it in multiple rooms across three hotels to film remotely; they were sentenced to 1 year and 3 months and 1 year respectively (nationwide).

Note

If any material secretly filmed is sold or distributed, additional charges such as producing or trafficking obscene materials for profit may apply; in the same batch of cases, one individual was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Installing surveillance cameras in your own home is permitted, but doing so in rooms used by others is prohibited.

Playing low‑stakes card games with friends is completely legal. However, once you start taking a cut of the pot, acting as banker, or charging money to organize the game, the activity becomes illegal: anyone involved in gambling with relatively large stakes can face up to 5 days in detention or a fine of up to 1,000 yuan. Those who run gambling dens or make a living from gambling may be sentenced to up to 3 years in prison; casino operators can be sentenced to up to 5 years. Exactly what amount counts as “relatively large stakes” varies by region — there is no single national threshold.

Cost

No expense at all. Small‑stakes games among friends are perfectly fine. There’s no rake, no banker duty, and no money collected for organizing the game. The hard part is resisting the urge to step in when someone else tries to run the game.

Benefit

Providing facilities or services for gambling in order to make money, or taking part in gambling with relatively large stakes, can lead to up to 5 days in detention or a fine of up to 1,000 yuan. In more serious cases the penalty rises to 10–15 days in detention and a fine of 1,000–5,000 yuan. Organizing gambling sessions for profit or relying on gambling as a livelihood can result in up to 3 years in prison and a fine. Casino operators face up to 5 years in prison and a fine; repeat offenders may be sentenced to 5–10 years (nationwide).

Note

Because there is no uniform national definition of “relatively large stakes” — each region sets its own limit — this recommendation is rated B only. Taking a cut of the pot or acting as an intermediary for online gambling platforms is often treated as running a casino under the law. The original judicial interpretations cited here have not been independently verified, and no official case examples could be found.

If you eat a nationally protected animal, the animal will be confiscated and you will be fined 2 to 20 times its market value. Those who purchase, transport, or sell precious and endangered animals face up to 5 years in prison; repeat offenders may be sentenced to 5 to 10 years. However, this rule does not apply to animals bred in captivity: in one case, three breeders sold over 40 captive-bred rose-ringed parakeets worth less than 400 yuan total, and prosecutors chose not to press charges. This exemption does not cover animals caught in the wild or those with unclear origins.

Cost

No cost involved. Only purchase pets that are legally sourced and bred in captivity.

Benefit

Consuming or purchasing nationally protected wildlife results in confiscation of the animal and a fine of 2 to 20 times its value. Breeding such animals without a permit also leads to confiscation and a fine of 1 to 10 times the animal’s value. Illegal trade of protected species and their products carries up to 5 years in prison and financial penalties; repeat offenders face 5 to 10 years, and those committing especially serious violations may be sentenced to over 10 years. Hunting, buying, transporting, or selling other terrestrial wildlife for consumption is punishable by up to 3 years in prison if done on a large scale. A notable case: in 2021, three breeders sold over 40 captive-bred rose-ringed parakeets (a second-class protected species) worth less than 400 yuan total, and prosecutors decided not to prosecute. Since 2022, China’s top courts have clarified that animals bred in captivity at scale for pet trade generally do not constitute a crime nationwide.

Note

The exemption from criminal liability applies only to animals bred in captivity and sold as pets. It does not cover animals caught in the wild or those with unclear origins. The official list of protected species determines eligibility; checking this list before purchase can prevent future legal trouble.

The money truly belongs to you, but you still cannot detain or confine the debtor. Laws explicitly state that detaining or confining someone solely to collect a debt is treated as illegal imprisonment. In minor cases, offenders face 10–15 days of detention plus fines ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 yuan. If the act constitutes illegal imprisonment, penalties include up to 3 years in prison; serious injury results in 3–10 years, and death warrants 10+ years. To collect a debt, always file a lawsuit in court.

Cost

There is no cost. If someone owes you money and refuses to pay, you can file a lawsuit in court. For guidance on drafting an IOU, see Section 8, Article 18. The real challenge is resisting the urge to physically restrain or follow the debtor home when they try to evade payment.

Benefit

Illegally restricting another person’s freedom, unlawfully entering their home, or conducting unauthorized searches leads to 10–15 days of detention and fines of 1,000–2,000 yuan. Less severe cases incur 5–10 days of detention and fines under 1,000 yuan. Illegal imprisonment is punishable by up to 3 years in prison, short-term detention, restricted movement, or loss of political rights. Severe injury or death brings 3–10 years or 10+ years respectively. These same penalties apply even when debt collection is legitimate (nationwide).

Note

The statement “They truly owe me money” holds no legal weight here. Laws explicitly classify debt-related detentions as illegal imprisonment. Multiple court rulings on China’s judicial portal show individuals detained for up to 1 year while attempting to collect lawful debts. At the time of writing, this portal was inaccessible, so no citations could be included.

Lending, renting, or transferring your resident ID card to another person results in a warning and a fine of up to 200 yuan. Using someone else’s ID card or an ID card obtained fraudulently carries a fine of 200–1,000 yuan or detention for up to 10 days. In situations requiring real-name registration—such as buying train tickets or checking into hotels—using a forged or someone else’s ID card may, in serious cases, lead to criminal penalties including detention or surveillance.

Cost

No expense involved. If someone asks to borrow it, simply refuse. If a copy is required, clearly note on the copy what specific purpose it is intended for.

Benefit

Lending, renting, or transferring one’s resident ID card to another person results in a warning and a fine of up to 200 yuan. Using someone else’s ID card or an ID card obtained fraudulently carries a fine of 200–1,000 yuan or detention for up to 10 days. The same penalties apply to buying, selling, or using forged or altered ID cards. Many situations legally require presentation of identification; using forged, altered, or stolen documents in such cases can lead to criminal sentencing. Such documents include ID cards, passports, social insurance cards, and driver’s licenses. Penalties may include detention (short-term imprisonment) or surveillance (restrictions on movement without imprisonment), often combined with a fine; in some cases only a fine is imposed nationwide.

Note

Lending your ID card could allow it to be used to register a company or open bank accounts; the consequences of such actions are described in Sections 8.28 and 8.8 (do not serve as a nominal legal representative or lend your bank card to others). Using someone else’s ID card to buy train tickets or check into hotels falls under activities requiring valid identification per law. No official case examples were found for this provision. When using internet cafés, always present your own ID; cafés must verify and record ID details, retaining records for at least 60 days for inspection by police and cultural authorities. Any activity performed on a computer using someone else’s ID is legally attributed to that person.

Simply refusing to comply with police orders can result in a warning or a fine of up to 500 yuan; more serious cases may lead to detention for 5 to 10 days. Using physical force against officers falls into a separate category: biting, slapping, kicking, tackling, or throwing objects that cause even minor injuries is classified as violent assault on police, punishable by up to 3 years in prison. If weapons, controlled knives, or a vehicle are used, the sentence rises to 3 to 7 years. Simple acts like pulling away or resisting lightly do not count as violence.

Cost

No cost at all. Simply refrain from any actions on the spot. If you have complaints, you can raise them later — file a complaint, apply for administrative reconsideration, or even sue in court. The hard part is keeping your temper in check during those few minutes of being stopped, particularly when you’re under the influence of alcohol.

Benefit

Refusing to comply with lawful police orders carries a warning or a fine of up to 500 yuan; repeat or more serious offenses can bring detention for 5 to 10 days plus an additional fine of up to 1,000 yuan. When the officers involved are regular police, penalties become stricter. Committing violent acts against officers performing their duties is punishable by up to 3 years in prison; using weapons, knives, or a vehicle to endanger their safety can lead to 3 to 7 years behind bars. Only actions that result in actual physical harm — such as biting, slapping, kicking, tackling, or throwing objects — qualify as “violent assault.” Merely trying to pull away or resisting lightly does not meet this threshold (applies nationwide).

Note

According to a 2021 report by China’s Supreme People’s Procuratorate, in the first month after laws specifically criminalizing assaults on police took effect, 405 arrests were approved. In Jiangsu Province, 47.6% of 42 reported cases involved individuals acting out while intoxicated. In Hubei Province, 12 out of 16 cases involved only minor physical contact such as punching, slapping, or biting. Attacking auxiliary police officers is also treated under the crime of obstructing official duties. No official case examples detailing individual circumstances were found for this specific provision.

Any sexual contact with a person under 14 is treated as rape, regardless of whether they consented. Such acts incur harsher penalties, with a baseline sentence of 3 to 10 years in prison. If the victim is under 12, it is automatically assumed that the perpetrator “should have known” their age. For victims aged 12 to 14, if the perpetrator can tell from their physical development, speech, behavior, or clothing that they are minors, and still proceeds, they are deemed to have “known” the victim was underage. The exception of “genuinely unaware of the victim’s age” is strictly limited in application.

Cost

No cost at all. If you’re unsure about the other person’s age, do not engage in any sexual activity.

Benefit

Sexual contact with anyone under 14 is classified as rape and punished more severely, with a standard sentence of 3 to 10 years. According to official judicial guidelines, any use of violence or coercion to commit such acts counts as rape, regardless of whether the perpetrator knew the victim was a minor. Without coercion, it is automatically assumed that perpetrators know the victim is under 12. For victims aged 12 to 14, if the perpetrator can tell from their physical traits, speech, behavior, or clothing that they are minors and still proceeds, they are deemed to have “known” the victim was underage. The exception of “genuinely unaware of the victim’s age” is strictly limited nationwide.

Note

At the time of writing, the original documents issued by the Supreme People’s Court and other judicial authorities regarding handling criminal cases involving sexual abuse of minors, as well as the 2003 official reply from the Supreme People’s Court, could not be accessed. Therefore, the criteria for determining “knowledge of the victim’s age” cited here are based on an official response posted on the Supreme People’s Court website. The legal texts use the term “minor girl.” This guideline applies to all perpetrators, regardless of gender.

The immediate consequences of throwing a single punch: detention for 5 to 10 days plus a fine of 500 to 1,000 yuan. If the injury is classified as minor, it becomes a criminal offense, leading to up to 3 years in prison; for serious injuries, the sentence ranges from 3 to 10 years. Additional financial costs apply: one individual who broke three ribs in another person was required to pay 113,000 yuan to settle the case out of court, thereby avoiding prosecution. Another person who fractured the radius bone in a victim’s arm received a 10-month prison sentence after refusing to pay compensation.

Cost

There’s no monetary cost or time investment required. The hard part is those few seconds right before you decide to strike.

Benefit

For simple assaults or intentional harm, offenders face detention for 5 to 10 days and fines of 500 to 1,000 yuan. Those who act in groups, target vulnerable individuals such as pregnant women, the elderly, or children, repeat offenders, or individuals who assault multiple victims at once receive harsher penalties: detention for 10 to 15 days and fines of 1,000 to 2,000 yuan. Minor injuries trigger criminal liability for intentional harm, resulting in up to 3 years of imprisonment, short-term detention, or restricted freedom without incarceration. Serious injuries carry sentences from 3 to 10 years. Civilly, offenders must pay for medical care, lost wages, nursing services, transportation, hospital meal allowances, and nutritional support. In cases resulting in permanent disability, additional compensation based on 20 years of average urban disposable income (adjusted downward after age 60 and capped at 5 years for those over 75) must also be paid. In 2022, Chinese prosecutors handled over 70,000 minor injury cases, most stemming from family disputes, neighborhood conflicts, or isolated incidents. Notable examples include Lu, who broke three ribs (minor injury level 2) and avoided prosecution after paying 113,000 yuan in compensation; and Shi, who fractured a radius bone (minor injury level 2) and received a 10-month sentence due to his refusal to compensate the victim. (National regulations effective 1 January 2026.)

Note

For guidance on conflict prevention, why initiating violence is disadvantageous, and the limits of self-defense, refer to Section 8, Article 10. This section solely outlines financial and legal consequences. Information on retaliatory violence is provided in Sections 8, Articles 11 through 14. In minor disputes arising from interpersonal conflicts, police may facilitate mediation. Even when compensation is paid and accepted, offenders still face legal penalties; such payments do not exempt them from punishment. The precise criteria defining “minor injury” are set by official assessment standards not detailed here. Actual compensation amounts for lost wages and nursing services depend on individual circumstances and lack standardized figures.

There is a legal way out for parents who cannot raise their child, but it is limited to registering the adoption with the civil affairs bureau; the adoption relationship becomes official only on the date of registration. Privately handing over a child — especially for payment — can transform what appears to be “voluntary placement” into child trafficking, a crime punishable by a minimum sentence of five years. Conversely, leaving a child unattended and refusing to provide care may be classified as abandonment, carrying a maximum penalty of five years.

Cost

There is no monetary cost. However, submitting documents to a civil affairs bureau at or above the county level, waiting for review, and undergoing an adoption assessment all require time and effort.

Benefit

Article 240 of the Criminal Law states: “Whoever traffics in women or children shall be sentenced to not less than five years but not more than ten years of fixed-term imprisonment and shall also be fined. In cases involving aggravating circumstances, the sentence shall be not less than ten years of fixed-term imprisonment or life imprisonment, with a fine or confiscation of property; in especially serious cases, the offender shall be sentenced to death, with property also confiscated.” Article 17 of the “Opinions on Punishing Crimes of Trafficking in Women and Children” clarifies how to distinguish between voluntary placement and trafficking, emphasizing that the decisive factor is whether the perpetrator seeks illegal profit. Three scenarios qualify as selling one’s own child: (1) using childbirth as a means to profit and then selling the child; (2) knowingly transferring the child to someone without any intention of raising him/her, solely for monetary gain; (3) accepting sums far exceeding reasonable “support fees” or “gratitude payments.” Conversely, if no profit motive exists and the transfer is motivated by genuine hardship, with only modest compensation paid, it remains lawful placement. Article 261 of the Criminal Law further stipulates: “Any person who, being obliged to care for an elderly, young, sick, or otherwise dependent individual, refuses to do so under egregious circumstances shall be sentenced to not more than five years of fixed-term imprisonment, criminal detention, or public surveillance.” Under Article 1094 of the Civil Code, only three parties may legally place a child for adoption: guardians of orphans, child welfare institutions, and biological parents unable to care for their child. Finally, Article 1105 mandates that adoption must be registered with a civil affairs bureau at or above the county level; the adoption relationship becomes effective only upon such registration.

Note

This section does not address whether or not to have children; it solely outlines the legal pathway following childbirth. The recommended sequence is as follows: first, give birth in a hospital; prenatal care and delivery details are covered in Section 27. The birth certificate is a prerequisite for all subsequent procedures. Second, if placement is desired, contact the civil affairs bureau directly — never use intermediaries. Any transfer of money may alter the legal characterization of the act. Should suicidal thoughts or intentions to harm the child arise within the first year postpartum, immediate emergency care is required. A list of hospitals to visit during pregnancy and after delivery appears in Section 27, item 7. The 42‑day postpartum checkup also serves as a screening for postpartum depression (Section 27, item 16). In case of suicidal ideation, call 12356 (Section 1, item 25). No concrete case examples are provided here; official case studies involving trafficking of one’s own children were not individually verified for this edition, so only statutory provisions and excerpts from relevant opinions are cited.

Deliberately fabricating an accident or inflating the extent of damage to obtain insurance money is a criminal act of insurance fraud. If the amount involved is relatively large, the offender faces up to five years in prison and a fine ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 yuan. Even seeking outside help does not exempt you from liability: anyone who provides false testimony, damage assessments, or property evaluations to assist in the fraud is treated as an accomplice and prosecuted alongside you. In a case from Xuancheng, Anhui, eight individuals including Wang were sentenced to between two and four years in prison and fined 10,000 yuan each. The judgment in this case was issued on September 26, 2019.

Cost

There is no cost and no time required. All you have to do is simply refrain from committing this act.

Benefit

Article 198 of the Criminal Law outlines five specific scenarios constituting insurance fraud. (1) The policyholder invents a completely nonexistent insured object. (2) The policyholder, insured, or beneficiary fabricates false causes for an actual accident or exaggerates its impact. (3) An accident that never occurred is falsely reported. (4) The policyholder or insured deliberately causes property damage to trigger a claim. (5) The policyholder or beneficiary intentionally causes the death, injury, or illness of the insured. For relatively large sums, offenders receive up to five years in prison and a fine of 10,000–100,000 yuan; for significantly larger sums or severe circumstances, the sentence rises to 5–10 years with a 20,000–200,000 yuan fine; for especially massive sums or grave consequences, the penalty exceeds ten years, with fines up to 200,000 yuan or confiscation of assets. This same article also holds any third parties who knowingly issue false documentation to facilitate fraud accountable as accomplices. Article 27 of the Insurance Law stipulates that insurers may void contracts and withhold premiums if false claims are filed without any actual incident. Should fraudulent documentation or exaggerated damage claims be submitted, insurers are not obligated to pay for the inflated portion and may demand repayment of any prior payouts. In a notable case, eight individuals were convicted of insurance fraud and fined 10,000 yuan each after a court overturned an earlier ruling that awarded over 70,000 yuan in compensation; the original judgment had been secured through forged vehicle transfer documents. The Anti-Insurance Fraud Measures, issued on July 31, 2024, mandate that both underwriting and claims departments actively monitor risk indicators while developing industry-wide fraud detection platforms and intelligence hubs. These systems are designed to flag suspicious patterns, which are then investigated by professional associations, anti-fraud agencies, and insurers. Cases suspected of criminal intent must be reported to law enforcement, while regulatory authorities are required to strengthen coordination between administrative enforcement and criminal prosecution.

Note

Several seemingly harmless practices actually fall under these five categories. For instance, asking a repair shop to overstate repair costs after a minor accident, attributing pre-existing damage to the incident, staging a collision with a friend, or fabricating an accident entirely. Regarding auto insurance, refer to Section 5, Article 26 for optimal coverage levels. In cases involving intentional harm to insured family members, multiple charges apply, as detailed in Section 8, Article 38. Separate regulations govern medical insurance fraud: unauthorized use of yibao (basic medical insurance) cards or illicitly withdrawing funds from personal medical accounts is also classified as fraud, as noted in Section 5, Article 13.

There is no legal way to “match donors online and pay cash on the spot.” Living donors may only give organs to their spouses, direct blood relatives, or collateral relatives within three generations. Financially, it’s a poor deal: in a Beijing case, kidney sellers received only $20,000–$25,000, while the same kidney fetched $180,000–$220,000 when sold to a patient. All money earned is confiscated, followed by a fine of 10–20 times that amount. The physical toll of losing a kidney is described in Section 1, Item 35 (the remaining kidney then has to perform the work of two). In total, 28 people were convicted in this case, and the total illegal proceeds amounted to 10.34 million yuan.

Cost

There’s no expense or time involved. All you have to do is simply refrain from doing it.

Benefit

Article 5 of the Regulations on Human Organ Donation and Transplantation states: “No organization or individual may buy or sell human organs in any form, nor engage in any activities related to such transactions.” Article 10 adds: “No organization or individual may obtain living organs from anyone under 18 years of age for transplant purposes.” Article 11 limits recipients of living organs to spouses, direct blood relatives, or collateral relatives within three generations. Article 37 specifies penalties for organ trafficking. Offenders face seizure of all illegal profits and fines of 10–20 times the transaction value, imposed by local health authorities. Medical staff involved may have their licenses revoked and be permanently barred from practicing medicine. Criminal acts are prosecuted under criminal law (effective May 1, 2024; the previous Regulations on Human Organ Transplantation are hereby repealed). Article 234-1 of the Criminal Law stipulates: “Anyone who organizes others to sell their organs shall be sentenced to up to five years in prison and fined; repeat offenders face more than five years in prison, fines, or asset confiscation.” Three additional scenarios are punished under Articles 234 and 232: removing organs without consent, removing organs from anyone under 18, or coercing or deceiving someone into donation — all treated as intentional injury or homicide. Two notable cases illustrate these risks. First, in 2014, 15 defendants in Beijing were convicted of trafficking 51 kidneys; donors received only $20,000–$25,000 each, while patients paid $180,000–$220,000 per kidney. The operation took place in a rundown, unequipped building rented for $7,500 per month; the ringleader got 12 years, others 3.5–9 years. Second, a 17-year-old in Chenzhou sold his right kidney in 2011 for $22,000; the buyer paid intermediaries $150,000 plus $10,000, and the mastermind kept $56,000. Post‑surgery, the teen suffered permanent kidney damage, classified as serious injury and a third‑degree disability. In total, 190,000 yuan and 210,000 yuan were also confiscated from the offenders as part of these penalties.

Note

The real beneficiary is yourself. The true cost of this “deal” isn’t just $20,000; it’s trading a vital organ for a smartphone. The teen’s injury was deemed serious and permanently disabling — not something a few months of rest can fix. Prosecutors charged five defendants under Article 234‑2 for intentional injury, partly because doctors failed to verify the donor’s age before surgery. Today, organizers would be convicted under the organ‑trafficking statute, while removing organs from minors would still be treated as intentional injury. Black‑market operations occur in rented apartments or makeshift clinics, lacking proper screening, follow‑up, or accountability. If you wish to donate, follow Article 11: use a licensed transplant center, obtain ethics‑committee approval, and do it free of charge. Post‑mortem donation is a separate, voluntary process not covered here. The physical consequences of losing a kidney are detailed in Section 1, Item 35 (the remaining kidney then has to work for two). When money is so tight that selling an organ seems like an option, first explore Section 7’s safety nets — unemployment insurance, emergency aid, and dibao. Beware of online loans and “packaging‑material” financing schemes described in Section 6.

Getting caught doesn’t just result in a minor fine. Statutory law stipulates that the default penalty is 10–15 days of administrative detention, plus a possible fine of up to 5,000 yuan. Only in cases where circumstances are relatively minor might the penalty be limited to 5 days of detention or a fine of up to 1,000 yuan. Additionally, knowingly engaging in prostitution while infected with syphilis or gonorrhea constitutes a criminal offense, punishable by up to five years in prison.

Cost

There is no cost and no time required. All you need to do is simply refrain from it.

Benefit

Article 78 of the Law on Administrative Penalties for Public Security stipulates that individuals convicted of prostitution or soliciting prostitutes face 10–15 days of administrative detention, with a possible fine of up to 5,000 yuan. For less serious cases, the penalty may be 5 days of detention or a fine of up to 1,000 yuan. Those who solicit customers in public spaces also face similar penalties. Article 79 states that anyone who lures, shelters, or arranges prostitution is subject to 10–15 days of detention and a fine of up to 5,000 yuan; less serious cases incur 5 days of detention and a fine ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 yuan. Article 87 provides that employees of hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, or taxi services who aid or facilitate prostitution activities face 10–15 days of detention. Article 360 of the Criminal Law criminalizes knowingly spreading sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis or gonorrhea through prostitution; offenders may be sentenced to up to five years in prison and fined. (National application; Law on Administrative Penalties for Public Security effective 1 January 2026.)

Note

This detention is administrative in nature, meaning offenders are held in a detention center rather than merely paying a fine. Those who arrange or provide venues for prostitution face identical penalties under Article 79. Employees of hotels or entertainment venues who assist clients in evading law enforcement are also subject to 10–15 days of detention under Article 87. Previously, Article 360 included a provision criminalizing statutory rape of minors; this was removed via the 2015 Ninth Amendment to the Criminal Law, meaning such acts are now prosecuted as rape. Any services advertised as “on‑site wellness” or “massage” are still treated as prostitution based on actual conduct. Health risks related to sexually transmitted infections and HIV are addressed separately in Section 1, Item 30 (consistent condom use) and Section 13, Item 38 (post‑exposure prophylaxis within 72 hours). Precautions specific to entertainment venues are outlined in Section 22.

Translating someone else's copyrighted creative work and posting it online without authorization, or uploading pirated digital media to public cloud drives, is illegal copyright infringement even if offered completely free of charge. You can be sued for injunctions and statutory damages. Once you display commercial advertisements, solicit paid subscriptions, or charge registration fees, the act crosses into commercial exploitation for profit. Generating 30,000 RMB ($4,200 USD) in illicit revenue, disseminating 500+ copyrighted works, or accumulating 1,000+ paid members triggers felony criminal copyright infringement, carrying prison sentences up to 10 years. The founder of the Renren Yingshi (YYeTs) fansub portal was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison.

Cost

Zero financial cost. Purchasing or downloading media for strictly private viewing or personal translation practice is lawful—simply do not publish or distribute copies online for public access. Avoid operating resource-sharing portals, private cloud link drives, or ad-supported download channels. The challenge is resisting peer momentum when "everyone is reposting."

Benefit

Under civil copyright law, the exclusive rights granted to authors include the right of translation (transforming a work from one language to another) and the right of dissemination over information networks (making works available online to the public on-demand). Publishing unauthorized fan-translations or distributing unlicensed media files constitutes civil infringement requiring immediate cessation and financial compensation. The statutory "fair use" exemption applies solely to private study, research, or personal appreciation; it does not protect public internet dissemination. Where actual damages or infringer profits cannot be accurately computed, courts award statutory damages ranging from 500 to 5,000,000 RMB, with punitive damages of 1 to 5 times for intentional, serious infringement, alongside reimbursement of all reasonable enforcement costs. Under criminal law (Criminal Law Article 217, amended by Amendment XI), unauthorized dissemination over information networks "for the purpose of commercial profit" constitutes the felony offense of copyright infringement, punishable by up to 3 years' imprisonment (or 3 to 10 years for especially serious circumstances plus criminal fines). Commercial profit motives include displaying paid advertising banners, operating subscription memberships, or disguising fees as "mandatory donations." Statutory prosecution thresholds established in Supreme People's Court and Supreme People's Procuratorate judicial interpretations (Fa Interpretation [2025] No. 5): 1) Illicit gains exceeding 30,000 RMB; 2) Illegal business revenue exceeding 50,000 RMB; 3) Disseminating 500 or more unauthorized works online; 4) Exceeding 10,000 downloads or 100,000 clicks/views; 5) Amassing 1,000 or more registered paid members. Crossing 10 times these thresholds triggers the 3-to-10-year sentencing tier. Official Precedents: In the landmark Renren Yingshi (YYeTs) case (SPP Guiding Case No. 193), organizers downloaded unauthorized foreign films/dramas, coordinated translation subtitle groups, and hosted 32,824 unlicensed titles for 6.83 million registered users, generating over 11.5 million RMB via paid memberships, banner ads, and preloaded hard drives. Founder Liang Yongping was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months' imprisonment with a 1.5 million RMB fine; 14 co-defendants received suspended prison sentences and heavy fines. In another case, an individual who scraped 50,000 streaming video links to host on a free website while earning 350,000 RMB through startup splash screen ads was sentenced to 3 years' imprisonment (suspended for 4 years) and fined 400,000 RMB.

Note

Primary beneficiary is yourself. The legal boundary lies between private offline enjoyment and public internet distribution. Non-commercial volunteer translators who distribute content free of charge generally do not meet the criminal threshold of "commercial profit," but remain fully liable for civil infringement (injunctions, mandatory takedowns, and financial damages). In overseas jurisdictions like Japan, unauthorized fan-translation and uploads constitute criminal offenses even without commercial intent (several students were arrested in 2018 for unauthorized manga translation). In the Renren case, volunteer translation contributors with minimal platform involvement were treated as witnesses rather than criminal suspects, while platform founders, financial managers, and server operators faced strict felony prosecution. Commercializing fanfiction is covered in Chapter 9, Rule 25. Printing third-party artwork on merchandise is detailed in Chapter 12, Rule 21; safe-harbor notice-and-takedown procedures for website hosts are covered in Chapter 26, Rule 9. Benefit magnitude is categorized as High based on avoiding severe criminal detention. Primary beneficiary is yourself.

Publishing and commercializing fan fiction that borrows character names, personality profiles, and interpersonal dynamics from established literature can constitute copyright infringement and unfair competition. In the landmark case regarding Jiang Nan's college-parody novel *There They Were* (borrowing over 60 characters from Louis Cha's / Jin Yong's martial arts novels), the appellate court ordered 1.68 million RMB in damages plus 200,000 RMB in legal fees. After a 9-year legal battle, the parties settled with the author agreeing never to reprint the novel in its original form. Free online fanfiction shared for non-commercial hobbies is evaluated under different fair-use standards.

Cost

Zero direct cost. Negotiate formal adaptation licensing before monetizing derivative works or publishing print editions. If licensing cannot be obtained, thoroughly replace character names, distinct personalities, and relationship dynamics with original creative expressions. Avoid referencing the original author or trademarks in titles, subtitles, or marketing copy.

Benefit

In the landmark dispute Jin Yong v. Jiang Nan, author Jiang Nan published the campus novel *There They Were* using character names (Guo Jing, Huang Rong, Qiao Feng, Linghu Chong) and relationship configurations from Jin Yong's famous wuxia novels, marketing it with the subtitle "The University Days of the Condor Heroes." The book sold over one million copies across multiple editions. Jin Yong filed suit in 2016 seeking 5 million RMB in damages. The trial court found no copyright infringement on the basis that isolated character names and personality traits abstracted from specific plots did not constitute protected expression, but ruled the book constituted unfair competition by trading on Jin Yong's reputation, ordering 1.68 million RMB in damages (30% of 5.6 million RMB in cumulative royalties) plus 200,000 RMB in legal costs. On appeal, the Guangzhou Intellectual Property Court reversed the copyright finding, ruling that an ensemble cast of 60+ characters with interconnected backstories and character arcs represented creative choices forming protected expression under copyright law, while the subtitle constituted unfair competition, affirming damages of 1.68 million RMB plus 200,000 RMB in expenses. In September 2025, the Guangdong Higher People's Court brokered a comprehensive judicial settlement: the author acknowledged lacking copyright knowledge and failing to obtain authorization, paid the damages, agreed never to reprint the work using Jin Yong's proprietary character names, and both parties settled the dispute without classifying the conduct as literal plagiarism. Similarly, in the *Ghost Blows Out the Light* litigation, original author Zhang Muye (Tianxia Bachang), having assigned all economic copyright to a production company in 2006, authored a new work titled *The Tomb Robber* using identical character names; courts ruled that while authors may write new independent stories, marketing materials deceptively referencing derivative movie posters constituted misleading false advertising, ordering 900,000 RMB in damages.

Note

Primary beneficiary is yourself. Grade B is assigned because the legal boundaries of non-commercial online fan works remain an evolving area of judicial doctrine. The 9-year litigation ended in a mediated settlement that vacated earlier formal judgments and bound only the immediate parties. Judicial guidance establishes a three-step analytical test: 1) Does the similarity involve abstract ideas/tropes or concrete protected expression? 2) Is that expression original to the creator? 3) Does the use qualify under statutory fair-use exemptions? Borrowing a high-level genre trope carries minimal legal risk, whereas commercializing an entire proprietary character ensemble triggers significant liability. Furthermore, when original authors assign comprehensive copyrights to publishers or film studios, writing unauthorized sequels can expose even the creator to contractual and commercial claims. Reasonable litigation expenses (including attorney fees) are recoverable by the prevailing copyright owner under statutory law. Unauthorized translation and digital distribution risks are covered in Chapter 9, Rule 24. Benefit magnitude is categorized as High based on avoiding multi-million RMB copyright and commercial damages. Primary beneficiary is yourself.

Carrying daggers, spring-assisted switchblades, police batons, or electric stun guns in public carries statutory penalties of up to 5 days of administrative detention. Carrying them into public transportation hubs, railway stations, buses, or shopping malls carries 5 to 10 days of administrative detention. Furthermore, keeping concealed weapons easily escalates minor altercations into severe crimes: in a documented case, an individual who was punched with bare hands retaliated with a concealed dagger, killing the aggressor, and was sentenced to 4 years in prison for excessive self-defense.

Cost

Zero financial cost. Leave prohibited defense implements at home; never carry them on your person or store them in vehicle glove compartments or trunks. When facing hostility, prioritize creating physical distance and calling emergency police, reserving physical force strictly for unavoidable defense.

Benefit

Under Article 38 of the Law on Administrative Penalties for Public Security (amended 2025, effective January 1, 2026), unlawfully carrying controlled instruments such as crossbows and daggers is punished with administrative detention of up to 5 days and fines up to 1,000 RMB (or up to 500 RMB for minor infractions); carrying controlled instruments into public venues or public transit vehicles is punished with 5 to 10 days of detention and fines up to 1,000 RMB. Under Criminal Law Article 130, carrying controlled knives into public places or transit vehicles endangering public safety constitutes a criminal offense carrying up to 3 years' imprisonment. Ministry of Public Security Identification Standards for Controlled Knives categorize five prohibited classes: 1) Daggers (knives with handle, crossguard, and blood groove, with blade angle <60 degrees); 2) Three-edged scraping tools; 3) Spring switchblades (folding knives with self-locking mechanisms); 4) Single-edged/double-edged knives with blade angle <60 degrees and blade length >150 mm; 5) Knives with blade angle >60 degrees and blade length >220 mm. Under the People's Police Law, police batons are classified as specialized police gear restricted exclusively to law enforcement; unauthorized possession results in confiscation, administrative detention of up to 15 days, and fines. Carrying prohibited instruments inside private automobiles passing highway checkpoints is treated as unlawful public carrying. In self-defense jurisprudence (SPC/SPP Guiding Opinions on Justifiable Defense), whether a defendant prepared or carried a weapon is a key criterion distinguishing legitimate defense from mutual fighting. In an official case, a defendant (Yang) concealed two knives on his person following a verbal quarrel. When the counterparty returned and struck him once in the face with a bare fist, Yang stabbed him in the chest and abdomen, killing him. The court ruled that stabbing vital organs against an unarmed fist constituted excessive self-defense, convicting Yang of intentional injury and sentencing him to 4 years' imprisonment.

Note

Primary beneficiary is yourself. Carrying an everyday tool does not automatically forfeit self-defense rights: in SPP Guiding Case No. 45, a student (Chen) was assaulted by 9 attackers and defended himself using a pocket fruit knife, which prosecutors affirmed as lawful justifiable defense because he lacked mutual fighting intent. The hazard of carrying defense weapons is twofold: first, the implement itself is statutorily contraband, triggering administrative detention if detected during routine transit security checks or traffic stops regardless of use; second, having a blade immediately accessible during minor physical scuffles makes fatal retaliatory stabbing impulsive, converting defensible encounters into criminal liability. De-escalating conflicts by contacting police is covered in Chapter 8, Rule 10; legal limits of necessary defense against violent assault are detailed in Chapter 8, Rule 11. Handling robbery encounters in remote areas is covered in Chapter 13, Rule 36. Benefit magnitude is categorized as High based on avoiding administrative detention and severe criminal charges. Primary beneficiary is yourself.

Using electrofishing, poisons, explosives, or illegal nets in protected zones or during closed seasons meets statutory thresholds for the crime of illegal fishing of aquatic products, carrying up to 3 years' imprisonment. Minor violations without formal prosecution still result in administrative fines reaching up to 200,000 RMB, and merely carrying electrofishing gear into fishing waters is punishable by fines up to 100,000 RMB. Along the Yangtze River, an individual was sentenced to 1 year in prison for electrofishing and selling 9,000 RMB worth of catch.

Cost

Zero financial cost. Prior to fishing, consult lists of fishing closed zones, closed seasons, and no-angling zones published by local agricultural and rural departments. Never purchase or bring electrofishing machinery near waterways. Fish only in designated public angling waters or licensed commercial fisheries. The challenge is resisting peer imitation when others use illegal electrofishing gear.

Benefit

Article 340 of the Criminal Law of the People's Republic of China provides that whoever catches aquatic products in a closed area or closed season or uses prohibited gear or methods, if the circumstances are serious, shall be sentenced to fixed-term imprisonment of not more than 3 years, criminal detention, public surveillance, or a fine. The 2022 judicial interpretation by the SPC and SPP specifies criteria for "serious circumstances": (1) illegally catching >=500 kg or catch valued at >=10,000 RMB in inland waters; (2) illegally catching >=50 kg or catch valued at >=1,000 RMB in aquatic germplasm reserves; (3) using electrofishing, poison, or explosives in a closed area; or (4) using such prohibited methods during a closed season. The interpretation also allows non-prosecution where catch quantity and ecological harm are demonstrably minor. Under the Fisheries Law (amended 2025, effective May 1, 2026), violating closed area/season regulations, electrofishing, poisoning, dynamiting, carrying electric shocking devices into fishery waters, or using prohibited gear are strictly banned. Penalties: electrofishing/poisoning/explosives trigger confiscation of tools, catch, and illegal gains, plus fines up to 200,000 RMB (or 200,000 to 2,000,000 RMB for serious circumstances); merely carrying electrofishing devices into fishery waters carries confiscation and fines up to 100,000 RMB; violating closed zones/seasons or using prohibited gear carries fines up to 200,000 RMB; illegal recreational angling in closed zones/seasons carries fines up to 50,000 RMB. Under the Yangtze River Protection Law (implementing the 10-year fishing ban from 2021), natural commercial fishing is prohibited in designated waters; fishing carries fines of 10,000 to 50,000 RMB, while electrofishing/poisoning/explosives carry fines of 50,000 to 500,000 RMB. In an official case, Li electrofished in the Yangzhou section of the Yangtze River using an inverter, selling ~450 kg of fish for 9,000 RMB; despite surrendering, refunding earnings, and releasing fish fry, he was convicted of illegal fishing and sentenced to 1 year's imprisonment, public apologies in provincial media, and ordered to fund restocking of fish fry valued at 47,500 RMB. In SPC Guiding Case No. 213, 8 individuals using gill nets and homemade electric nets in East Dongting Lake received sentences ranging from criminal detention with probation to 13 months' imprisonment, with all 100,000 RMB in illegal profits confiscated.

Note

Primary beneficiary is yourself. The Fisheries Law notes casual, sporadic recreational angling generally does not require a commercial permit, but non-compliant angling during closed seasons or in protected zones triggers equipment confiscation and fines. In permitted Yangtze zones, national rules ban fish-finders, underwater cameras, toxic bait, and commercial sale of catch; multi-hook rigs like cluster/explosive hooks are targeted. Catching or trafficking in state-protected aquatic wildlife triggers severe criminal liability under Chapter 9, Rule 14. Purchasing or distributing fish known to be illegally caught constitutes concealing crime proceeds. Always verify local agriculture department announcements before setting out.

Lighting an open flame in a designated fire-prevention zone during fire-prevention seasons carries administrative fines of 300 to 5,000 RMB even if no fire spreads. If a fire burns 2 hectares of forest land, it triggers criminal prosecution for the crime of causing a fire (wildfire negligence), carrying 3 to 7 years in prison (or up to 3 years for minor circumstances). In documented cases, individuals burning joss paper that burned 39 hectares received suspended prison sentences and court orders to replant 32 hectares of forest at enormous personal expense.

Cost

Zero financial cost. Substitute tomb-sweeping burning with fresh flowers, weeding, or planting; avoid burning paper money, incense, or firecrackers in mountainous woodlands. Never burn agricultural straw or weeds in fields. For camping, carry pre-cooked meals requiring no open flame and pack all cigarette butts out. The difficulty is confronting elderly relatives who believe tomb visits without burning paper are disrespectful.

Benefit

Under the Regulations on Forest and Grassland Fire Prevention and Extinction (State Council Decree No. 822, effective January 1, 2026, replacing earlier 2008 separate regulations): Article 27 strictly prohibits open outdoor fire in fire-prevention zones during fire seasons, and bans discarding fire sources; during extreme weather, local governments may ban all outdoor flame use. Article 54 imposes fines of 300 to 5,000 RMB on individuals (20,000 to 100,000 RMB on entities) who light unauthorized outdoor fires. Article 34 mandates that anyone discovering wildfire must immediately report it (the national emergency forest fire hotline is 12119). Under Article 115(2) of the Criminal Law, causing a fire through negligence carries 3 to 7 years' imprisonment (or up to 3 years/detention for minor circumstances). Prosecution standards mandate criminal filing once burned forest land reaches 2 hectares, or shrub/brush land reaches 4 hectares, or if causing 1 death, 3 serious injuries, or 500,000 RMB in property damage. Human activity accounts for over 90% of forest fires, with ancestral worship and agricultural burning ranking as the leading causes. In official Case 1, Xie burned joss paper in the Qilian Mountain National Nature Reserve in February 2021, igniting 39.2 hectares of natural shrubland; despite calling emergency dispatch, assisting firefighters, surrendering, and planting 9,420 spruce saplings beforehand, he was sentenced to 1 year's imprisonment (suspended for 2 years) and ordered to afforest 32.05 hectares in three phases or pay equivalent ecological restoration assessments. In Case 2, Wang lit ceremonial incense outdoors in May 2022 and left without verifying extinction, scorching 121.7 mu (loss assessed at 468,578 RMB); he received 9 months' imprisonment (suspended for 18 months) and was held liable for up to 986,700 RMB in ecological restoration costs.

Note

Primary beneficiary is yourself. Designated fire-prevention periods and zones are defined and gazetted by county-level governments; verify local notices before heading into mountain areas. The Tomb Sweeping Festival (Qingming) is the highest-risk seasonal peak. Fines govern unauthorized open flames during fire seasons; criminal negligent arson applies year-round whenever a blaze spreads and meets statutory damage thresholds. Mitigating criminal penalties and obtaining suspended sentences requires active emergency reporting, firefighting assistance, confession, and compensatory reforestation; ecological restoration liabilities often vastly exceed statutory fines. When reporting fires to 12119 or 119, clearly state county, township, landmark, and fire scale. If encountering a spreading wildfire, never run downwind: escape toward bare cleared ground, previously burned clearings, or water bodies.

Taking an exam for someone else or hiring a substitute test-taker constitutes a criminal offense (the crime of taking an examination by a substitute), punished by criminal detention or fines, with convicted public servants dismissed from office. Organizing cheating or trafficking in exam questions/answers carries prison terms up to 7 years. Driver licensing tests are explicitly included; driving school operators organizing cheating have received multi-year prison sentences. Minor exam cheating results in test disqualification, multi-year bans, and indelible entries on permanent integrity records.

Cost

Zero financial cost. Reject "guaranteed pass" training seminars, "VIP fast tracks," and secret test-answer social groups. Never bring wireless signal-transmitting electronics (phones, hidden earpieces) into exam halls. If unprepared, schedule a retake. The challenge is turning down lucrative cheating offers when missing cutoff scores by narrow margins.

Benefit

Under Article 284-1 of the Criminal Law (introduced by Criminal Law Amendment IX), four behaviors are criminalized within "state examinations prescribed by law": (1) organizing cheating is punished with fixed-term imprisonment of up to 3 years or criminal detention, plus a fine; for serious circumstances, 3 to 7 years' imprisonment; (2) providing cheating equipment or other assistance to organizers carries identical penalties; (3) illegally selling or providing exam questions/answers carries identical penalties; (4) sitting for another person or arranging for another person to take an exam constitutes the crime of taking an examination by a substitute, punished with criminal detention, public surveillance, or a fine. The 2019 SPC/SPP judicial interpretation defines qualifying examinations: the National College Entrance Examination (Gaokao), postgraduate entrance exams, adult college exams, national and local civil service examinations, and professional qualification exams (legal profession, CPA, teaching, physician, constructor licensing). In 2024, the Supreme People's Court confirmed that motor vehicle driver licensing examinations also qualify. Organizing cheating in Gaokao, graduate entrance, or civil service exams automatically qualifies as "serious circumstances," as does organizing cheating involving >=30 candidate-sessions or illicit gains >=300,000 RMB. Being intercepted before the test begins with questions already obtained still constitutes a completed offense, and incomplete or partially incorrect answers do not negate criminal liability. Between November 2015 and April 2024, Chinese courts convicted 11,146 individuals across these three offenses. Administratively, cheating in state educational exams results in invalidation of scores and 1- to 3-year exam suspensions; civil service cheating leads to permanent dishonesty record filings and immediate termination or dismissal of employed staff; driver test fraud results in score nullification, fines up to 2,000 RMB, a 1-year application ban, and cancellation of existing licenses with a 3-year bar. In an official precedent, Zhang's syndicate forged photo IDs to dispatch substitute test-takers for civil service exams 89 times: three ringleaders received 5 to 5.5 years in prison, while 18 candidates who hired substitutes received criminal detention of 2 to 4 months and fines up to 100,000 RMB, with those already employed as civil servants dismissed from public office. In another case, a driving school operator organizing remote earpiece cheating for students received 6.5 years' imprisonment.

Note

Primary beneficiary is yourself. Mere individual unauthorized glancing or bringing cheat sheets is governed by administrative testing regulations rather than criminal prosecution; however, sharing purchased answers in student chat groups constitutes the crime of illegally providing examination answers. Enrolled university students caught substituting or hiring substitutes face immediate expulsion by university authorities. Forging identity cards to assist substitutes constitutes the separate crime of forging identity documents (Article 280), which yielded a 3-year sentence in Zhang's syndicate case. ID card custody rules are covered in Chapter 9, Rule 16. Paying illicit intermediaries for fraudulent professional title accreditation is detailed in Chapter 23, Rule 22. Benefit magnitude is categorized as High based on avoiding criminal detention, loss of public office, and multi-year career bars.