For an accidental, unexplained, or unexpectedly discovered death, call the police immediately and preserve the body and scene
In China, a death involving an accident, an unknown cause, or a person living alone found after a long interval may require police investigation and certification. Disturbing the scene makes the circumstances harder to establish and can complicate the death certificate needed for cremation, household deregistration, and insurance claims. If the category is unclear, call China's police number, 110, and let the authorities determine the procedure.
What it takes
Nothing. Make a phone call.
What you may gain
Article 8, paragraph 2, of China's Household Registration Regulations requires the head of household or discoverer to immediately report an accidental death or death of unknown cause to the local police station or township government. Article 23 of the Funeral and Interment Administration Regulations requires healthcare institutions to promptly issue certificates for natural deaths. For unnatural deaths handled by public security authorities according to law where the person did not receive treatment at a healthcare institution, the public security authority issues the certificate. The original summarizes unnatural-death certification as a police responsibility; the cited rule specifically includes the condition about no prior healthcare treatment. Preserving the scene helps establish the circumstances on which certification and subsequent arrangements depend.
Context & considerations
An expected death at home after a prolonged illness can follow the natural-death route. Contact the treating institution or the community health service or township health center serving the residence; see entry 2. If unsure, report the circumstances to 110 so police can investigate and direct certification. Do not clean the scene first. Avoid moving, washing, or changing the clothes of the deceased, and leave medication containers and notes in place. These instructions concern a person who has died; they do not replace emergency assistance where life may still be salvageable.
Research & references
Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (1958). Household Registration Regulations of the People's Republic of China, Article 8, published on the Guangdong provincial government website. http://www.gd.gov.cn/zwgk/wjk/zcfgk/content/mpost_2531969.html; State Council (2026). Regulations on Funeral and Interment Administration, State Council Order No. 824, effective March 30, 2026, Article 23. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202601/content_7054169.htm