China's Land Law: An Overview

Since all land in the People's Republic of China ("PRC") belongs to the state, corporate entities and individuals are not permitted to own land although they may own the property above the land. Given this division of ownership, the legal framework governing land in China includes legislation regulating land-use rights on the one hand and legislation regulating ownership of the buildings and structures on the other hand. Legislation is also in place concerning the requisition, development and protection of land in the PRC.