| name | country-china |
| description | 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 residential setbacks, DB local supplements (DB11 Beijing, DGJ08 Shanghai, DBJ Guangdong + Guangxi etc.), Hong Kong SAR distinct regulation (Buildings Department BD HK BO Cap 123 + PNAPs + ATCs), Macao separately, and the China Sponge City Program, Green Building Label (3-star China Green Building Evaluation Standard), and the Construction Engineering Quality Management Regulations.
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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
- Land use right acquisition -- typically 70-year (residential), 40-year (commercial), 50-year (industrial) leasehold from state
- Construction Land Planning Permit (Jianshe Yongdi Guihua Xuke Zheng) -- Planning Bureau
- Preliminary design + Construction Engineering Planning Permit (Jianshe Gongcheng Guihua Xuke Zheng) -- Planning Bureau
- Construction Drawing Review by accredited Construction Drawing Review Institute
- Fire Approval (Xiaofang Shenpi) -- Emergency Management Bureau
- Construction Permit (Shigong Xuke Zheng) -- Construction Bureau
- Construction-Engineering Quality Supervision assigned by Quality Office
- Site inspections during construction
- Construction Engineering Completion Acceptance (Zhugong Yanshou) -- 5-party meeting: Developer + Supervisor + Designer + Contractor + Drawing Review (joint acceptance)
- File completion with archive (Beian) -- formal completion recorded
- 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:
- Initial Design (Chubu Sheji) -- detailed enough for permit + cost estimation
- Construction Drawing (Shigong Tu) -- production drawings
- 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
- Identify province + city + administrative tier (province-direct-govt city, prefecture, district).
- Identify climate zone (5 zones per GB 50176-2016).
- Identify seismic intensity (degree 6-9 per GB 50011-2010 map for city).
- Identify DB local supplement (e.g., DB11 Beijing, DGJ08 Shanghai).
- Apply GB 50352-2019 for general civil building requirements.
- Apply GB 50016-2014 (2018 ed.) for fire/life safety.
- Apply GB 50011-2010 for seismic design.
- Apply GB 50189-2015 (public) OR JGJ 26/75/134 (residential) for energy by zone.
- Apply GB 50763-2012 for accessibility.
- Apply Sunlight Rights per GB 50180-2018 + local rules.
- Confirm yongji-lv + jianzhu midu + building spacing per Detailed Regulation Plan.
- Engage Construction Drawing Review Institute.
- 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.
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.
