Key practical points:
• It sets strict limits on water withdrawal in the very dry basin.
• It strengthens the fight against soil erosion and desertification upstream and midstream.
• It tightens control of industrial and agricultural pollution in the watercourse.
• It protects source-water areas and biodiversity.
• It coordinates management across regions along the river.
Yellow River Protection Law · Yalla China
中华人民共和国黄河保护法 / Yellow River Protection Law
Enacted: 2022-10-30 ✅ Effective: 2023-04-01
📝 Overview
A special law protecting the Yellow River basin's ecology and water, curbing erosion, desertification, and pollution. It balances water use, development, and ecosystem conservation.
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 your project is in Yellow River basin provinces, water quotas and pollution limits are tighter than elsewhere. Check limits before planning any water-intensive activity. General orientation, not legal advice.
📎 Official source
npc.gov.cn
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026