Key practical points:
• Navigable waterways are planned and graded by importance.
• Works crossing or affecting a waterway, such as bridges, need approval review.
• Waterways are maintained and navigation marks placed for ship safety.
• Anything obstructing navigation or reducing channel depth without permission is banned.
• Waterway facilities and marks are protected from damage.
Waterway Law · Yalla China
中华人民共和国航道法 / Waterway Law
Enacted: 2014-12-28 ✅ Effective: 2015-03-01
📝 Overview
A law governing the planning, construction, maintenance, and protection of navigable waterways. It ensures safe river and coastal navigation and regulates works affecting waterways.
This is general information only, not legal advice. For your specific case, consult a licensed lawyer.
📜 The law text / key provisions
💬 Practical reading
💬 This is a general reading/opinion for orientation — not the official legal text nor legal advice.
If you plan to build a bridge, wharf, or any structure crossing a waterway in China, you will need a review of its navigation impact before approval. General orientation, not legal advice.
📎 Official source
npc.gov.cn
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026