The situation: A foreigner is refused entry or service in a public place based on their appearance or nationality.
Applicable law: China lacks an independent anti-racial discrimination law, but the Civil Code (2021) protects the right to personal dignity (Article 990). The Consumer Protection Law (2013) requires licensed businesses to provide services to the public without arbitrary discrimination. Penalties: administrative fines and possibly civil compensation in glaring cases.
Typical outcome: Filing a complaint with 12315 or the Market Supervision Administration with documented evidence (video, witnesses). Courts rarely rule on these cases due to the difficulty of proof.
📜 Civil Code (general rules) · Awareness case
Refusal of Service Based on Nationality — Is Discrimination Prohibited in China? · Yalla China
🤝 Governing law: 民法典 / Civil Code Arts 990-1000; 消费者权益保护法 / Consumer Protection Law
You were refused service at a Chinese restaurant or shop because of your nationality. Is there legal protection for foreigners against discrimination in China?
Illustrative, general educational examples — not real specific facts and not legal advice; for awareness only. For an actual situation, consult a licensed lawyer.
🎓 The lesson / takeaway
Lesson: Document the incident on video if possible. Complaints to 12315 are fast and often lead to swift intervention. High-profile or widely shared online cases accelerate government intervention.
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026