# Country China

> People's Republic of China architectural code and regulatory reference. Covers the GB (Guojia Biaozhun -- National Standard) series of mandatory codes including GB 50352-2019 Civil Buildings Unified Design Standard (replaces 2005), GB 50016-2014 (2018 ed.) Fire Protection Design of Buildings, GB 51251-2017 Smoke Control + Prevention, GB 50045 (legacy high-rise fire), GB 50011-2010 Seismic Design (with 2016 amendments), GB 50009-2012 Building Structural Loads, GB 55015-2021 General Code for Building Energy + Renewable Energy, GB 50189-2015 Public Building Energy Design, JGJ 26-2018 + JGJ 75-2012 + JGJ 134-2010 Residential Energy Design (by climate zone), GB 50763-2012 Code for Design Accessibility, GB 50352 civil building, plus the supplementary JGJ (Industry Standard) codes. Includes the five thermal climate zones per GB 50176-2016 (Severe Cold, Cold, Hot Summer Cold Winter, Hot Summer Warm Winter, Temperate), the eight seismic intensity zones (degree 6-9), the sunlight rights (Rizhao) regulation governing re

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---


# Country: People's Republic of China

Architectural code and regulatory reference for projects in mainland China. **Hong Kong SAR** has a distinct regulatory regime briefly summarised at Section 12 (different code system, English language, Common Law tradition). **Macao SAR** also distinct. Taiwan is not covered here.

Activate this skill on any Chinese city reference (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Tianjin, Wuhan, Xi'an, Suzhou, etc.), CNY/RMB/Yuan currency, mention of "GB 50016"/"GB 50352"/"GB 50011"/"JGJ"/"DB11"/"DGJ08", or Chinese architectural terminology (容积率 yongji-lv, 建筑密度 jianzhu-midu, 日照 rizhao, 抗震 kangzhen, 防火 fanghuo).

---

## 1. Regulatory Hierarchy

China operates as **Archetype D (Centralised National + Strong-Form Mandatory Clauses)**. National GB codes are mandatory throughout the country; local DB supplements may **only be more stringent**, never less.

### 1.1 Authority Stack

```
LEVEL 1 -- NATIONAL
  Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (MOHURD, Zhufang he Chengxiang Jianshe Bu)
    -- primary building authority
    + State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) -- approves standards
    + Standardization Administration of China (SAC) -- standards body
  Ministry of Emergency Management (MEM, Yingji Guanli Bu) -- fire approvals
    (transferred from Public Security Fire Department in 2018)
  Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE)
  National Energy Administration (NEA) -- energy policy
  Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) -- industrial
  China Disabled Persons' Federation (Canlianhui) -- accessibility policy

LEVEL 2 -- PROVINCE (sheng) + AUTONOMOUS REGION + MUNICIPALITY DIRECTLY UNDER CENTRAL GOVT
  4 Municipalities: Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing
  23 Provinces (Guangdong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shandong, etc.)
  5 Autonomous Regions (Guangxi, Tibet, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Xinjiang)
  2 SARs (Hong Kong, Macao) -- own systems
    Each issues:
    DB Local Standards (e.g., DB11 Beijing, DGJ08 Shanghai, DBJ Guangxi 45, DB Guangdong 44, DB Zhejiang 33)
    Provincial Construction Department (Sheng Jianshe Ting)
    Provincial Fire Department (now Yingji Ting)

LEVEL 3 -- PREFECTURE / CITY
  Local Construction Bureau (Jianshe Ju)
  Planning Bureau (Guihua Ju, now usually merged with Natural Resources Bureau Ziyuan Ju)
  Emergency Management Bureau (Yingji Guanli Ju) -- former Fire Department
  Land + Resources Bureau (Guotu Ju, now Natural Resources Bureau)
  Environmental Protection Bureau (Huanbao Ju)

LEVEL 4 -- DISTRICT / COUNTY
  Smaller cities + counties -- delegated authority from prefecture

LEVEL 5 -- PROJECT
  Construction Engineering Planning Permit (Jianshe Gongcheng Guihua Xuke Zheng) from Planning
  Construction Permit (Shigong Xuke Zheng) from Construction Bureau
  Construction-Engineering Quality Supervision (Zhiliang Jiandu) from Construction Quality Office
  Fire approval (Xiaofang Shenpi) from Emergency Management Bureau
  Inspection by accredited testing institutes
```

### 1.2 GB Code Type Classification

Codes are classified by mandatory level:
- **GB Mandatory (Qiangzhi Xing) -- printed in red** -- legally binding, must comply; deviation requires special approval
- **GB Recommended (Tuijian Xing) -- printed in black** -- advisory; can be followed but not legally binding
- **JGJ Industry Standards** -- MOHURD industry standards, generally recommended but commonly adopted
- **DB Local Standards** -- provincial/municipal; may only be more stringent than national GB
- **DBJ** -- Local Building Standards (subset)

A single project must comply with the **strictest** applicable provision across these layers.

### 1.3 Construction Drawing Review (Shigong Tu Shencha)

Distinct Chinese process: before construction can begin, all construction drawings must be reviewed by an **accredited Construction Drawing Review Institute (Shigong Tu Shencha Jigou)** -- private body certified by provincial government. They check compliance with all applicable GB/DB codes. Review takes typically 15-30 days, longer for complex projects.

---

## 2. Building Code Core Requirements

### 2.1 GB 50352-2019 Civil Buildings Unified Design Standard

The "constitution" of Chinese building design. Replaces 2005 version. Defines:

- **Civil Building (Minyong Jianzhu) Classification**:
  - Residential (Juzhu Jianzhu)
  - Public Building (Gonggong Jianzhu) -- offices, commercial, hotels, hospitals, schools, etc.
- **Building Heights**:
  - Low-rise residential: 1-3 storeys
  - Multi-storey residential: 4-6 storeys
  - Mid-rise residential: 7-9 storeys
  - High-rise residential: ≥10 storeys OR ≥28 m
  - High-rise public building: > 24 m
  - Super-high-rise: > 100 m

### 2.2 GB 50352 General Provisions

- **Floor-to-floor height**: residential 2.8-3.0 m; office 3.6-4.5 m; hospital 4.0-4.5 m; commercial 4.5+ m
- **Net ceiling height (Jingkong Gao)**: residential 2.4 m min; corridor 2.1 m min
- **Stair**: width 1.10 m residential, 1.20 m public; max riser 0.18 m, min going 0.26 m
- **Door clear width**: 800 mm general, 1000 mm main entrance public
- **Setback to road red line**: per municipal Detailed Regulation Plan
- **Setback to property line**: per municipal regulation; typically 3-12 m

### 2.3 Yongji-lv (容积率) -- FAR Equivalent

- **Yongji-lv = total above-grade GFA / lot area**
- **Jianzhu Midu (建筑密度) = building footprint / lot area** (similar to coverage)
- Both controlled by **Konngzhi Xing Xiangxi Guihua (Detailed Regulation Plan)** for each plot
- Typical residential yongji-lv: 1.0-3.5; commercial 4.0-8.0; CBD towers higher

### 2.4 Sunlight Rights (Rizhao Quan, 日照权)

Distinctive Chinese regulation: every residential dwelling must receive a specified number of hours of unobstructed sunlight on the worst day of winter (大寒 Da Han, around 20 January), measured at the lowest occupied window. Targets:

| Climate Zone | Required Sunlight Hours (mid-winter Da Han) |
|---|---|
| Severe Cold (Zone I) | ≥3 h |
| Cold (Zone II) | ≥3 h |
| Hot Summer Cold Winter (Zone III) | ≥2 h |
| Hot Summer Warm Winter (Zone IV) | ≥1 h or local rule |
| Temperate (Zone V) | ≥2 h |

This drives Chinese urban form: long parallel slab blocks (north-south or oriented), substantial spacing between blocks, distinct from Western tower-on-podium. Calculation per GB 50180-2018 + local rules.

### 2.5 Setbacks Between Buildings (Jianzhu Jianju, 建筑间距)

- For residential blocks, **minimum distance** between facing facades = function(building height + use + sunlight ratio).
- Common rule of thumb: distance = 1.0 - 1.3 × north building height in Cold zone (more for higher latitude)
- Local DB specifies exact formula

### 2.6 Height & Use Classification (GB 50352 + GB 50016)

| Building Height | Classification | Implications |
|---|---|---|
| < 24 m (≤ 10 storey roughly) | Low/Multi-storey | Standard rules |
| 24-100 m | High-rise (Gao Ceng) | GB 50016 high-rise rules; sprinklered above 27 m residential or 24 m public |
| > 100 m | Super-High-Rise (Chao Gao Ceng) | Additional rules; structural performance review |
| > 250 m | Super-Tall | Special structural performance review by national experts |

---

## 3. Fire Safety (GB 50016 + GB 51251)

### 3.1 GB 50016-2014 (2018 Edition) -- "Code for Fire Protection Design of Buildings"

The single most-cited code on Chinese projects. **Major 2018 amendment** post the SCMP-reported high-rise fires. Replaces older legacy codes including GB 50045-95 (high-rise specific).

Structure:
- Ch. 1 General
- Ch. 2 Terminology
- Ch. 3 Production + Storage Buildings (industrial)
- Ch. 4 Hazardous Materials Storage + Use
- Ch. 5 Civil Buildings -- the most-used chapter; fire-resistance, compartmentation, egress for all civil buildings
- Ch. 6 Building Construction (combustibility, materials)
- Ch. 7 Building Equipment
- Ch. 8 Active Fire Protection Systems
- Ch. 9 Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning
- Ch. 10 Electrical
- Ch. 11 Wood-Frame Buildings
- Ch. 12 Existing Buildings
- Annexes A-F

### 3.2 Civil Building Classification by Fire Hazard (GB 50016 Ch. 5)

| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| **Class I High-Rise** (Yiji Gao Ceng) | Hospitals, broadcasting + telecom centres (over 50 m), >100 m public, large train station, conference, exhibition |
| **Class II High-Rise** (Erji Gao Ceng) | Most office, hotel, commercial high-rise; >50 m residential; >24 m public general |
| **High-Rise Residential** | All residential ≥ 27 m -- with special sub-categories at 54 m, 100 m, 200 m thresholds |
| **Multi-Storey** | Buildings < 24 m public OR < 27 m residential |

### 3.3 Fire-Resistance Class (Naohuo Dengji)

| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| **First Class** (Yiji) | Non-combustible structural members; 3 h frame; 1.5 h floors |
| **Second Class** (Erji) | Non-combustible; 2.5 h frame; 1 h floors |
| **Third Class** (Sanji) | Mixed; 2 h frame |
| **Fourth Class** (Siji) | Combustible structure tolerated; 0.5 h frame |

High-rise (Class I + II) must be at least First Class. Residential mid-rise often Second Class.

### 3.4 Egress (GB 50016-2014 Ch. 5)

| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max travel distance (residential >9 storey) | 40 m (sprinklered); 25 m unsprinklered |
| Max travel distance (office sprinklered) | 40 m one-direction; 80 m two-direction |
| Max travel distance (hospital sprinklered) | 30 m |
| Max travel distance (assembly sprinklered) | 30 m |
| Min corridor width residential | 1.2 m (mid-rise); 1.4 m (high-rise) |
| Min corridor width office mid-rise | 1.4 m |
| Min stair width residential | 1.1 m |
| Min stair width public mid-rise | 1.2 m |
| Min stair width public high-rise | 1.4 m |
| Min door clear width | 0.90 m residential, 1.0 m public |
| Max compartment area residential (Class I high-rise) | 1500 m2 per floor sprinklered |
| Max compartment area public Class I (sprinklered) | 2500 m2 (per fire-resistant compartment) |

### 3.5 Sprinklers (GB 50084-2017)

- Mandatory for high-rise residential ≥ 54 m (or 100 m per latest amendment)
- Mandatory for high-rise public buildings ≥ 24 m
- Mandatory for hospitals, hotels, schools above certain scales
- Mandatory for underground spaces

### 3.6 Smoke Control (GB 51251-2017)

Dedicated code for smoke control + smoke prevention. Required for:
- Atriums
- Underground spaces
- Long corridors > 20 m without natural ventilation
- All compartment areas > 100 m2 without natural ventilation

Specifies mechanical extract rates, makeup air, pressurization, smoke barriers, dampers.

### 3.7 External Cladding (GB 50016-2014 Section 5.5)

Post-2010s fires (multiple in Shanghai, Urumqi, Shenyang):
- High-rise residential ≥ 50 m: cladding must be Class A non-combustible (GB 8624-2012)
- High-rise public buildings: same
- Non-high-rise but ≥ 24 m: Class B1 acceptable but increasingly Class A preferred
- Insulation behind cladding: separate fire-rating; Class A non-combustible required in most high-rise

### 3.8 Refuge Floors (Bi Nan Ceng)

For super-high-rise:
- Public buildings > 100 m: refuge floor every 15 storeys (or 50 m vertical interval)
- Residential > 100 m: refuge floor every 15 storeys
- Refuge floor: not used for occupancy; sized for evacuation capacity; ventilated to outside; protected fire doors

---

## 4. Energy Code

### 4.1 GB 55015-2021 -- General Code for Building Energy + Renewable Energy

Highest-level energy code, replacing fragments of older codes. Applies to all civil buildings nationally. Co-exists with detailed prescriptive codes below.

### 4.2 GB 50189-2015 -- Public Buildings Energy Conservation

Detailed prescriptive code for offices, hotels, hospitals, large commercial. Sets envelope U-values + HVAC efficiency + lighting power density by climate zone.

### 4.3 Residential Energy by Zone

- **JGJ 26-2018** -- Severe Cold + Cold Zone residential (north -- Beijing, Harbin, Tianjin, Shenyang)
- **JGJ 134-2010** -- Hot Summer Cold Winter Zone (central -- Shanghai, Wuhan, Chongqing, Nanjing, Hangzhou)
- **JGJ 75-2012** -- Hot Summer Warm Winter Zone (south -- Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Haikou)

Each defines envelope U-values + window SHGC by climate sub-zone, building shape coefficient, and floor area.

### 4.4 Climate Zones (GB 50176-2016)

Five primary thermal climate zones:

| Zone | HDD18 / CDD26 | Cities |
|---|---|---|
| **I -- Severe Cold** | HDD18 > 6000; CDD26 < 90 | Harbin, Hohhot, Urumqi, Shenyang |
| **II -- Cold** | 3800 < HDD18 ≤ 6000 | Beijing, Tianjin, Xi'an, Lanzhou, Yinchuan, Datong |
| **III -- Hot Summer + Cold Winter (HSCW)** | 700 ≤ HDD18 ≤ 2000; 40 ≤ CDD26 ≤ 110 | Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Wuhan, Chongqing, Chengdu, Hefei, Jinan |
| **IV -- Hot Summer + Warm Winter (HSWW)** | HDD18 < 700; CDD26 > 100 | Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Nanning, Haikou, Hong Kong, Macao |
| **V -- Temperate** | HDD18 ≤ 2000; CDD26 ≤ 10 | Kunming, Lhasa (special), Guiyang, Xichang |

(Plus Zone VI -- alpine -- not commonly built in.)

### 4.5 U-Value Targets (JGJ 26-2018 Severe Cold + Cold residential)

| Element | Severe Cold (I) | Cold (II) | HSCW (III) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof | 0.20-0.30 | 0.30-0.40 | 0.50-0.80 |
| Exterior wall | 0.25-0.40 | 0.40-0.55 | 0.80-1.50 |
| Floor (slab) | 0.30 | 0.45 | -- |
| Window (Uw) | 2.0 | 2.5 | 2.5-3.0 |
| Window SHGC (cooling-dominant SHGC limit; heating-dominant fixed by lower) | 0.50 (winter) | 0.45 | 0.40-0.45 |

(Targets indicative; actual depend on shape factor + floor count + orientation per current code.)

### 4.6 Green Building Label (Lujian Biaoshi)

China's national green rating per **GB/T 50378-2019 "Assessment Standard for Green Building"**:
- **One Star (Yi Xing)**
- **Two Star (Liang Xing)**
- **Three Star (San Xing)** -- highest, comparable to LEED Gold-Platinum equivalent

Assessment categories: safety + durability, health + comfort, life + convenience, resource saving, environment livability, innovation.

Mandatory minimum One Star for government investment buildings in many provinces; rising standards.

### 4.7 Near-Zero Energy + Zero Energy Buildings

**GB/T 51350-2019 -- Technical Standard for Nearly Zero Energy Buildings** -- China's PassivHaus-equivalent track. Three tiers:
- **Nearly Zero Energy Building (Jin Ling Nenghao)**
- **Zero Energy Building (Ling Nenghao)**
- **Positive Energy Building (Zheng Nenghao)**

Promoted by **CABEE (Centre for Building Energy Efficiency)** + provincial incentive schemes.

---

## 5. Accessibility (GB 50763-2012)

### 5.1 GB 50763-2012 -- Code for Design Accessibility

China's accessibility code. Aligned to ISO 21542 + UN CRPD which China ratified.

### 5.2 Key Dimensions

| Element | Dimension |
|---|---|
| Accessible route | 1.2 m clear (1.5 m preferred); passing space 1.5 x 1.5 m every 25 m |
| Door clear width | 800 mm (900 mm preferred at main entry) |
| Ramp gradient | 1:12 max (1:16 preferred); landings every 9 m |
| Lift cabin | 1100 x 1400 mm (Type 1); 1100 x 2100 mm hospital |
| Accessible WC | 2.0 x 2.0 m (peninsula layout); grab rails left + right |
| Accessible parking | 3.5 m + 1.5 m aisle (or 3.0 + 1.2 m for limited urban contexts) |
| Tactile flooring | Per GB/T 12992-2008 tactile pavement; at level changes, ramps, stair edges, lift entries |
| Hearing loop | All assembly venues > 200 occupants |

### 5.3 Provision Counts

- **Accessible parking**: 1-2% of total OR minimum 1
- **Accessible WC**: 1 per gender per public WC bank; OR 1 unisex
- **Accessible apartments**: 1-2% of new residential schemes >100 units
- **Public buildings**: full accessibility required throughout

### 5.4 Provincial Variation

Some provinces (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong) issue stricter local DB codes for accessibility. Shanghai's DGJ08 series + Beijing's DB11 series include accessibility supplements.

---

## 6. Structural and Loads

### 6.1 GB 50009-2012 -- Building Structural Loads

- Dead loads, live loads, partition loads
- Wind loads (basic wind pressure W0 mapped by region)
- Snow loads (basic ground snow load S0 mapped)
- Soil pressure
- Crane loads
- Thermal effects

### 6.2 GB 50011-2010 (with 2016 partial amendment) -- Code for Seismic Design

Defines **Seismic Intensity** (Lieji) -- 6-9 degree scale per Chinese intensity classification (not exactly MMI/MMS):

| Intensity Degree (Lieji) | Description | Approximate PGA |
|---|---|---|
| **Degree 6** | Felt by most; minor non-structural damage | 0.05 g (50-year 10% probability) |
| **Degree 7** | Light damage to engineered structures | 0.10-0.15 g |
| **Degree 8** | Moderate-heavy damage | 0.20-0.30 g |
| **Degree 9** | Severe damage; collapse possible | 0.40 g+ |

Cities mapped to intensity:
- Beijing: Degree 8
- Shanghai: Degree 7
- Guangzhou, Hong Kong: Degree 6-7
- Chengdu: Degree 7
- Kunming: Degree 8
- Wenchuan (post-2008 mapping): Degree 9
- Lhasa: Degree 7-8

### 6.3 Materials (GB Codes)

| Material | Code |
|---|---|
| Concrete | GB 50010-2010 (Code for Design of Concrete Structures) |
| Steel | GB 50017-2017 (Code for Design of Steel Structures) |
| Composite | GB 50017 + GB 50068 |
| Reliability | GB 50068-2018 (Unified Standard for Reliability) |
| Wood | GB 50005-2017 |
| Masonry | GB 50003-2011 |
| Foundations | GB 50007-2011 (Code for Foundation Design); GB 50330-2013 slope; GB 50202-2018 excavation |
| Wind tunnel testing | GB 50009 + Tongji + CABR guidelines |

### 6.4 Wind Zones (GB 50009)

China divided into **basic wind pressure W0 (kN/m2)** by region:
- South China coast (typhoon belt): W0 = 0.75-0.85 (Guangzhou ~0.50; coastal up to 0.85)
- North coast (Shandong, Liaoning, Tianjin): W0 = 0.55-0.70
- Inland east + central: W0 = 0.35-0.50
- West interior: W0 = 0.35-0.55

3-second-gust speeds derived; typical 30-45 m/s 50-year return.

### 6.5 Snow Zones

- Northeast (Heilongjiang, Jilin, parts of Inner Mongolia): S0 = 0.7-1.5 kN/m2
- Central China: S0 = 0.3-0.5 kN/m2
- South: S0 = 0-0.3 kN/m2
- Alpine: per local elevation correction

---

## 7. Major City Practice Notes

### 7.1 Beijing (DB11 series)

- **DB11/T 891** -- Beijing accessibility supplement
- **DB11/687** -- Beijing energy supplement
- **DB11/T 1610** -- Beijing residential energy
- Seismic Degree 8; high-rise residential restrictions; sunlight rights strong
- Plot ratios moderate (1.5-3.5 residential)
- Aviation height restrictions near Capital Airport
- Heritage zones (Old City) -- height + materials controlled

### 7.2 Shanghai (DGJ08 series)

- **DGJ08-205-2011** -- Shanghai general building design
- **DGJ08-107-2018** -- Shanghai residential energy
- **DGJ08-109-2014** -- Shanghai public building energy
- Seismic Degree 7
- Higher plot ratios (5+ in Pudong CBD)
- Soft Yangtze Delta soil -- piled foundations universal
- Sunlight rights at HSCW Zone III standard (2 h Da Han)

### 7.3 Shenzhen / Guangzhou / Greater Bay Area

- **DBJ/T 15** Guangdong series
- Hot Summer Warm Winter Zone IV
- Lower sunlight requirements (1 h); higher densities feasible
- Wind/typhoon design dominant (W0 = 0.75 + Guangzhou)
- Subtropical detailing -- humidity, mould, lightning (Shenzhen ~70 thunder days/year)

### 7.4 Chongqing (Sichuan / SW China)

- Hot Summer Cold Winter Zone III
- Seismic Degree 7 (varies; post-Wenchuan updates)
- Mountainous terrain -- piloti / stepped designs common
- Distinct foundation conditions: limestone karst widely

### 7.5 Hangzhou / Suzhou / Nanjing (Yangtze Delta)

- HSCW Zone III
- Seismic Degree 6-7
- Heritage zones (Pingjiang, Shang Cheng, Tongli)
- Strong water-table issues -- waterproofing critical

---

## 8. Permit Workflow

### 8.1 Standard Workflow

1. **Land use right acquisition** -- typically 70-year (residential), 40-year (commercial), 50-year (industrial) leasehold from state
2. **Construction Land Planning Permit (Jianshe Yongdi Guihua Xuke Zheng)** -- Planning Bureau
3. **Preliminary design + Construction Engineering Planning Permit (Jianshe Gongcheng Guihua Xuke Zheng)** -- Planning Bureau
4. **Construction Drawing Review** by accredited Construction Drawing Review Institute
5. **Fire Approval (Xiaofang Shenpi)** -- Emergency Management Bureau
6. **Construction Permit (Shigong Xuke Zheng)** -- Construction Bureau
7. **Construction-Engineering Quality Supervision** assigned by Quality Office
8. **Site inspections during construction**
9. **Construction Engineering Completion Acceptance (Zhugong Yanshou)** -- 5-party meeting: Developer + Supervisor + Designer + Contractor + Drawing Review (joint acceptance)
10. **File completion with archive (Beian)** -- formal completion recorded
11. **Property rights certificate issuance**

### 8.2 Designer / Practitioner Licensing

- **Class A Architectural Design Institute (Yi Ji Sheji Yuan)** -- large projects, all scales
- **Class B** -- mid-scale
- **Class C** -- small only
- Individual **Registered Architect (Zhuce Jianzhushi)** -- Class 1 + Class 2

Hospitals, schools, and other special projects require Class A institutes.

### 8.3 Three Critical Pre-Construction Phases

China practice distinguishes:
1. **Initial Design (Chubu Sheji)** -- detailed enough for permit + cost estimation
2. **Construction Drawing (Shigong Tu)** -- production drawings
3. **Construction Drawing Review (Shigong Tu Shencha)** -- mandatory third-party check

Many large projects skip "Initial Design" and proceed directly with "Schematic + Construction Drawing" -- but Construction Drawing Review remains mandatory.

---

## 9. Quick Numeric Reference

| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Floor-to-floor residential | 2.8-3.0 m | GB 50352-2019 |
| Floor-to-floor office | 3.6-4.5 m | GB 50352-2019; min 2.5 m clear |
| Hospital floor-to-floor | 4.0-4.5 m | GB 50352-2019 |
| Net ceiling height (residential) | 2.4 m min | GB 50352-2019 |
| Stair width residential | 1.1 m | GB 50352-2019 |
| Stair width public mid-rise | 1.2 m | GB 50352-2019 |
| Travel distance high-rise residential sprinklered | 40 m | GB 50016 Ch. 5 |
| Travel distance office sprinklered (1-way) | 40 m | GB 50016 Ch. 5 |
| Compartment area Class I high-rise sprinklered | 2500 m2 | GB 50016 Ch. 5 |
| Cladding (high-rise residential ≥ 50 m) | Class A non-combustible | GB 50016 + GB 8624 |
| Wall U-value Cold Zone residential | 0.40-0.55 W/m2K | JGJ 26-2018 |
| Window Uw Cold Zone | 2.5 W/m2K | JGJ 26-2018 |
| Sunlight Da Han hours (Beijing) | 3 h | DB11 / National rule |
| Yongji-lv residential (Beijing) | 1.5-3.5 | Local Detailed Reg Plan |
| Basic wind pressure W0 Beijing | 0.45 kN/m2 | GB 50009 |
| Seismic intensity Beijing | Degree 8 | GB 50011-2010 |

---

## 10. Application Workflow

1. **Identify province + city + administrative tier** (province-direct-govt city, prefecture, district).
2. **Identify climate zone** (5 zones per GB 50176-2016).
3. **Identify seismic intensity** (degree 6-9 per GB 50011-2010 map for city).
4. **Identify DB local supplement** (e.g., DB11 Beijing, DGJ08 Shanghai).
5. **Apply GB 50352-2019** for general civil building requirements.
6. **Apply GB 50016-2014 (2018 ed.)** for fire/life safety.
7. **Apply GB 50011-2010** for seismic design.
8. **Apply GB 50189-2015** (public) OR JGJ 26/75/134 (residential) for energy by zone.
9. **Apply GB 50763-2012** for accessibility.
10. **Apply Sunlight Rights** per GB 50180-2018 + local rules.
11. **Confirm yongji-lv + jianzhu midu + building spacing** per Detailed Regulation Plan.
12. **Engage Construction Drawing Review Institute**.
13. **Cite clauses**: "GB 50352-2019 Section 5.1.3 (mandatory)", "GB 50016-2014 (2018 ed.) Article 5.3.1", "JGJ 26-2018 Table 4.2.1", "GB 50011-2010 (2016 amend) Section 4.1.6", "GB 50763-2012 Section 3.5", "DB11/T 891-2012 Section 4.2".

---

## 11. Authoritative Sources

- **Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (MOHURD, 住房和城乡建设部)** -- mohurd.gov.cn
- **Standardization Administration of China (SAC, 国家标准化管理委员会)** -- sac.gov.cn -- GB code sales
- **National Engineering Construction Standards Network** -- ndzh.com (paywall for full text)
- **China Building Standard Design Research Institute (CBI, 中国建筑标准设计研究院)** -- chinabuilding.com.cn
- **Centre for Building Energy Efficiency (CABEE)** -- energy compliance + ZEB programs
- **Each provincial Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development** -- provincial DB codes
- **Beijing Bureau of Urban Planning + Natural Resources** -- ghzrzyw.beijing.gov.cn
- **Shanghai Housing + Construction Commission** -- zjw.sh.gov.cn
- **China Green Building Council (CSGBC)** -- gbwindows.cn -- Green Building Label

---

## 12. Hong Kong SAR (separately governed)

Hong Kong has its own Building Regulations under Buildings Ordinance (Cap. 123). Distinct system:
- **Buildings Department (BD)** -- approvals
- **Code of Practice for the Provision of Means of Escape in Case of Fire (MOE Code)**
- **Code of Practice for Fire Safety in Buildings (FSC)**
- **Practice Notes for Authorized Persons (PNAPs)** -- guidance
- **APP** (Application Practice notes)
- Plot ratio + site coverage regulated by **Building (Planning) Regulations**
- Authorized Person (AP) leads submission, Registered Structural Engineer (RSE) for structural

Hong Kong common law tradition, English-language, but uses **OB (Outline Zoning Plan)** for planning. Not covered in detail here -- consult HK-specific resources.

## 13. Macao SAR

Macao has its own building law (Lei 32/96/M) + technical regulations. Portuguese-tradition + Chinese hybrid. Not detailed here.

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*Cross-references: load `building-codes` for general code structure (China is unique with mandatory red-text clauses); `fire-life-safety` for general principles overlaid by GB 50016 + GB 51251; `accessibility-design` for global frameworks then GB 50763; `building-sustainability` for Green Building Label + LEED comparison + GB/T 51350 NZEB; `structural-systems` for seismic design (Chinese intensity scale + GB 50011); `building-envelope` for 5-climate-zone tropical + cold + alpine detailing.*