Key practical points:
• Protected wild animals are graded (first- and second-class protection) and hunting or harming them is banned.
• Eating protected and hunted terrestrial wild animals, and selling them for that purpose, is generally prohibited.
• Buying, selling or transporting protected animals or their products (ivory, fur) without a licence is a crime.
• Breeding or scientific/commercial use of protected species needs special permits.
• Tourists must not buy souvenirs from protected species (they may be seized and penalised).
• The public can report illegal hunting or trading.
Wildlife Protection Law · Yalla China
中华人民共和国野生动物保护法 / Wildlife Protection Law
Enacted: 1988-11-08 ✅ Effective: 2023-05-01
📝 Overview
A law protecting rare and endangered wild animals and their habitats, regulating hunting, breeding, trade and consumption. The modern version tightened restrictions after COVID, especially on eating wildlife. It concerns everyone, including traders, restaurants and tourists.
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.
Remember that eating wildlife is banned in China after the recent tightening, and buying souvenirs of ivory or protected-animal fur can lead to seizure and penalties even as a tourist. If you run a restaurant, stay entirely away from wild meat. General orientation, not legal advice.
📎 Official source
National Forestry and Grassland Administration / forestry.gov.cn
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026