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How to avoid dying too soon
This section covers three main topics. First, deaths caused by accidents and injuries — things like car crashes, fires, and poisoning. Second, there are a few vaccines and screening tests backed by very strong scientific evidence. Third, we’ll look at certain warning signs the body gives off that mean it’s time to get checked out. The numbers listed under “Benefit” come from randomized controlled trials, large long‑term studies, or official statistics. The “Cost” figures are rough estimates based on current market prices; they’re meant only for comparison purposes and shouldn’t be cited as official data.
Avoid a slow death
This section covers just two types of long‑term health risks: those that have a big impact on overall mortality and those backed by solid evidence. The items are listed in order of cost‑effectiveness, from best to worst. A few entries are marked “randomized trials,” meaning participants were randomly assigned to different groups for comparison — results from such studies are the most reliable. All other figures come from observational studies that simply track people over time without any group assignment. In these studies, risk ratios such as HR or RR can be skewed by two main factors: natural differences between individuals and the fact that some people develop health problems before the study even begins. Because of this, these numbers should be interpreted as giving a general sense of direction and magnitude, not as a guaranteed “discount” you can count on by following a certain course of action.
Don’t waste your energy
This section is all about energy and time. We look at four main factors: how much attention you can actually use each day, how quick your reactions are, how often you make mistakes, and how long it takes you to get back on track after being interrupted. All the numbers here come from direct measurements — either from lab experiments or from tracking large groups of people over time (observational studies). These figures are not converted into life expectancy or mortality rates. Most items in this section carry a B evidence grade; that’s just how this field works, and it doesn’t make the recommendations any less valid. Item 20 deals with what to expect when dealing with police, doctors, or bank tellers; it cites laws rather than experimental data, so its grade is C. Items 15 (treating pessimistic thoughts as symptoms) and 23 (treating the belief that “others expect me to be perfect” as a symptom) use mortality and suicide‑risk figures that follow a different calculation method than the rest of this section, so they’re not compared with the other numbers here.
Don’t waste time
This section is all about time. We look at how many hours you can save each day, week, or year, and how much the odds improve of finishing a task on schedule. We don’t convert time into extra years of life or into money. When money does come up, we only give the calculation method — no final figures. Most of the items here are backed by a single study or overall statistics from time‑use surveys, so the evidence grades are mostly B or C.
Don’t waste money
This section is all about money. We’ll look at three things: how much you can save, what the yearly return difference is, and how much you can expect to get back over the long run from any given sum. None of these figures are converted into years of life or time saved. For any items dealing with investments, we’ll only explain how the calculations work, using only verified historical data. None of this should be taken as investment advice.
Items to avoid
This section lists products and treatments that *seem* inexpensive and effective at first glance. Yet once you look at the original research, their benefits are practically nonexistent — or even negative. They’re arranged based on two factors: how much money people spend on them and how strong the supporting evidence actually is. The items near the top of the list are the ones you should stop using first.
How to get by when you have little money
This section covers money and social safeguards. It lists how much you might receive, what costs could be waived, which services may be available, and what eligibility criteria apply — but it does not translate these figures into any health impact. Policies change yearly and vary by region, so always refer to the official figures released for your local area. Items are ordered from those requiring no spending, minimal paperwork, and quick results at the top, while those demanding long-term qualification periods or carrying large regional differences appear toward the end. Suggestions based purely on personal experience without any official documentation are placed last.
Protect yourself: legal rights and property safety
This section deals with money and personal freedom rather than life expectancy. It covers three main points: what legal responsibilities you must fulfill, how much compensation you can avoid by following those rules, and what procedural rights you have if something goes wrong. All clause numbers have been cross‑checked against the official texts. The items are ordered so that those with the biggest potential losses and the easiest preventive measures appear first; items that require advance planning come next; finally, those based purely on experience without any official backing are listed last.
Legal pitfalls that ordinary people often overlook
This section looks at two key aspects: personal freedom and money. Many everyday actions that people assume are harmless can actually lead to detention, fines, or even criminal sentences. For each item we list the exact legal numbers from statutes, along with real cases documented by official sources. The Public Security Administration Punishment Law referenced here is the 2025 revised version, which took effect on January 1, 2026; its article numbers differ from earlier editions. The Criminal Law excerpts come from a compiled text reposted by Beijing’s Traffic Management Bureau, updated according to Amendment XI to the Criminal Law; we note which amendment applies to each passage. Items are ordered from those most likely to be unintentionally broken to those carrying the heaviest penalties.
Is it worth dating and getting married?
This section breaks down the question “Is marriage a good financial decision?” into several separate calculations. These calculations cover money, time, health, legal risks, and relationship quality. For each calculation we use only figures with verifiable sources — primarily official statistics or meta-analyses that combine data from multiple studies. No moral judgments are made here, nor are any conclusions drawn on your behalf. The health calculations rely on mortality risks, the time calculations use average daily minutes, and the legal calculations follow the wording of relevant statutes. These three types of calculations are not converted into one another. For more details on this breakdown method, the checklist of factors to consider, and common misconceptions, please refer to [docs/结婚划不划算.md](../../docs/research/结婚划不划算.md).
Common legal pitfalls for programmers and tech professionals
This section focuses on personal freedom and financial safety — essentially, avoiding imprisonment and costly lawsuits. Many developers and technical workers tend to treat the following issues as mere technical matters. In reality, they constitute specific criminal offenses under Chinese law or can lead to substantial civil liabilities. For each item, we list the relevant legal provisions and real-world cases published on the websites of the Supreme People’s Procuratorate and the Supreme People’s Court. The criminal law references come from a consolidated text republished by the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau, which reflects amendments introduced in the 11th Criminal Law Amendment. The items are ordered from those most likely to be underestimated by tech professionals to those with the most severe consequences. The first entry serves as a general guide: it explains how to assess risks before taking action and what steps to take immediately after any incident occurs.
Starting a business: how to protect your personal assets
This section deals with money and legal liability. What steps could potentially put your own savings, your family’s money, and even your spouse’s funds at risk when opening a shop or forming a company? What does the law say about this? Is it possible to set up safeguards in advance? This section answers those questions without trying to convert the risks into life‑years lost. The items are ordered from the scenarios that most easily threaten personal assets to those that are easiest to avoid. Consequently, items that require only a signature come first, while methods that demand hands‑on effort appear later. Any statements based purely on experience and lacking supporting research are marked as Grade C evidence.
Emergency situations: what to do first
This section covers just one thing: what actions you should take right away when an emergency occurs, what to do next, and what to avoid. The entries on first aid and wilderness survival focus on specific causes of death and survival rates. Those dealing with scams and threats involve financial loss and threats to personal freedom. These two sets of figures cannot be compared with each other. Entries are ordered by how common each situation is and how much difference proper or improper action can make in terms of lives saved. These guidelines are primarily meant for you, your spouse, and close family members. In fact, 79.2% of cardiac arrests happen at home, so the people you’re most likely to help are your household members, followed by friends and coworkers. While helping strangers can also be worthwhile, it ranks last in priority due to risks such as false accusations or getting involved in legal trouble. Therefore, the entries in this category emphasize actions to protect yourself and include clauses that limit your liability. Only actions that must be taken within a few minutes are included here. Identifying scams or dealing with extortion attempts require longer-term measures and are not covered in this section. Detailed anti-fraud rules and descriptions of seven common types of fraud can be found in Section 8, Item 3. Information on handling situations where someone threatens to release private photos or intimate videos is provided in Section 8, Item 32. If money has already been transferred, you should immediately call 110 or 96110 to request a stop payment, as explained in Section 8, Item 2.
Account and Information Security
Backlink: [← Return to main index](../../README.md) Protecting your money and personal data is essential. If someone gains access to your accounts, they can steal funds right away. They may also use your account to scam people on your contact list. In short, your identity becomes vulnerable too.
Renting vs. buying a home
Renting can easily cost you extra due to security deposits and realtor fees. Buying a home, on the other hand, brings high expenses in the form of mortgage interest and all those hidden details that sellers know but buyers often overlook.
How to live after being diagnosed with a chronic disease
This section looks at overall mortality rates and the associated costs. A chronic disease diagnosis is not the end of the story — what truly matters is how to manage it over the decades that follow.
Having elderly family members at home
Having elderly relatives living with you often means that the main problems aren’t a lack of money, but failing to discuss matters clearly and sign the necessary documents in advance. The final section looks at pressure ulcers in bedridden patients; it calculates costs based on mortality rates and isn’t meant to be compared with the other items in this chapter.
Is raising a child worth it?
This section breaks down the financial and time costs involved. Much like Section 10, which examined the costs of marriage, we’re simply laying out the numbers here — without offering any definitive conclusions. If you’re already pregnant and need to follow the necessary steps, please refer to Section 27. There are 18 key considerations to keep in mind when deciding whether raising a child is worthwhile.
While employed, upon leaving the job, and for work‑related injuries
This section is all about money — how it’s calculated, what paperwork you must sign, and what deadlines apply. The first three items cover payments you’re entitled to while still on the payroll. The next six items deal with situations after you leave your job. Finally, the last seven items address occupational diseases and work‑related injuries. Compensation for injuries is far higher than severance pay, and the time limits are much stricter. Unfortunately, damage caused by an occupational disease can never be fully reversed.
How to care for a newborn baby
This section focuses on two main topics: what it takes to keep a newborn alive and how much it will cost you. Only differences that are substantial and backed by solid evidence are included here. Detailed advice on soothing or raising a baby is beyond the scope of this book. For tasks to handle before birth and on the day of discharge, please refer to Section 27.
Traveling abroad, trips, and safety overseas
This section deals with both financial matters and personal freedom, and several points also relate to physical safety. Once you’re overseas, it’s the laws of the host country that apply — not Chinese law. There are clear limits to what China’s embassies and consulates can do to assist you. This section explains those limits in detail.
How to relax: entertainment venues and stress relief
This section is divided into two parts. The first part covers entertainment venues — it explains which costs are unnecessary and where the emergency exits are located. The focus here is on money and personal freedom. The second part discusses ways to relieve stress, with an emphasis on energy levels and overall mortality risk. The figures from each part are not combined for any calculations. Section 3 already listed several steps to take when feeling down; this section provides more detailed recommendations.
Which skills are worth learning?
This section deals with costs and time investment; the second item also examines mortality rates. The first six items address one main question: whether it still makes sense to pursue further education. Item 1 outlines which options the law effectively rules out. Item 2 explores how education influences life expectancy. Item 3 shows what educational levels most people in China have attained. Item 4 lists available financial aid options when education proves unaffordable. Item 5 describes alternative pathways after failing to get into regular high school. Item 6 frames the “education versus work” dilemma as a calculable problem and provides a simple method for readers to work out their own figures. The next seven items tackle another question: once you decide to learn something new, how do you pick the right skill? Reliable official statistics on wages broken down by occupation are hard to verify in China, so this book only covers a few well-documented facts: roughly how much extra income an extra year of schooling brings (known as the return on education), how to verify whether a certificate is legitimate, where to find training subsidies, and which criteria help ensure a chosen skill stays in demand. Exact monthly earnings figures for any specific job are not provided here. Finally, the last five items answer a third question: after deciding what to learn, how can you minimize the time required to acquire it? These items focus solely on time, not money, and no conversion between the two is attempted.
Seeking medical care: How to save money and avoid unnecessary hassle
This section focuses on the practical steps involved in getting medical treatment — which hospitals to visit first, how to transfer between levels of care, and where you can cut down on expenses. It also explains how to wait in emergency queues, what evaluations and documents are required after serious injuries, and what benefits you may be eligible for (see Section 7). Long‑term management of chronic diseases is covered in Section 16, while immediate actions at the scene of an emergency are described in Section 13. The content is largely based on the “Several Measures on Accelerating the Development of a Hierarchical Medical System” issued by the General Office of the State Council in April 2026. This system directs patients to hospitals according to the severity of their condition. The document explicitly links using primary‑level facilities with lower medical costs. However, implementation varies by region, so the national rules outlined here should be cross‑checked with local policies issued by your social insurance and health authorities. Your “coordinated region” is simply the area where you’re enrolled in medical insurance — usually a city.
What to do after a loved one passes away
When someone dies, there are a few key steps to take: handling the necessary paperwork and dealing with any money matters. First, you’ll need to secure the scene and arrange for a death certificate. After that, the body must be prepared and cremated. If there’s any dispute over how the death occurred, that must be addressed next, followed by closing all relevant accounts. The remaining items are listed in order of how much they can save you money. For any advance planning an older adult might want to make — such as naming a legal guardian, writing a will, or managing accounts — see Section 17. Details on the three types of benefits available for deaths at work can be found in Section 19. The funeral guidance here follows the newly updated Funeral Management Regulations, which took effect on March 30, 2026. Exact amounts for funeral subsidies and survivor benefits under basic pension plans are set separately by the Human Resources and Social Security Bureau. Since we don’t have an official source text to verify these figures word for word, no specific dollar amounts appear in this section.
Building a website or platform: licensing, registration, and servers
If you want to create a website or app, this section explains four key points: what legal category your business falls under, which permits you must obtain, where to host your servers, and who is responsible for user content and payments. The focus here is on personal freedom and financial matters. The items are ordered as follows: first, activities that could land you in prison; second, permits you must secure beforehand; third, everyday tasks any platform must handle; and finally, practical tips for choosing a server — though no exact figures can be given. As a hired technician, you must stay within the boundaries outlined in Section 11. Details on company registration and tax filing are covered in Section 12 and are not repeated here. A comparison chart of required permits and a decision table for server selection can be found at [docs/做平台要办哪些证.md](../../docs/research/做平台要办哪些证.md).
Pregnancy and childbirth: From confirming pregnancy to discharge and paperwork
This section first looks at mortality risks — both for the mother and the unborn baby. Later on, we discuss costs and the time required for various procedures. These two sets of calculations are not combined or compared. The focus here is solely on “what needs to be done at what stage.” Topics such as prenatal nutrition or fetal education lack solid evidence or have minimal impact, so they are not covered here. Details on maternity benefits, leave entitlements, and child-rearing expenses can be found in Section 18. Guidance on caring for a newborn is provided in Section 20, while emergency situations are addressed in Section 13. According to World Health Organization figures, in 2023 roughly 260,000 women worldwide died as a result of pregnancy or childbirth. About 75% of these deaths stemmed from five main causes: severe postpartum bleeding, infections, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (such as preeclampsia and eclampsia), complications during delivery, and unsafe abortions. The WHO also notes that “most maternal deaths are preventable, since effective medical measures for prevention and treatment of complications already exist.” The most important actions outlined in this section are precisely those aimed at preventing these problems before they occur.
Don’t harm your body just to change its appearance
This section covers several methods people use to alter their appearance: fasting, taking pills, getting injections, and undergoing surgery. They all share one thing in common: the decision to use them is usually driven by comparisons with others. Yet the costs are borne entirely by the individual, and many of those costs are irreversible. We make no judgment about anyone’s personal choice regarding how they want to look — that is a matter of personal preference. What we do address is this: for the same end result, how much greater is the risk when people follow unregulated paths — buying products online, using services at beauty clinics, or increasing dosages on their own — compared to following medically supervised routes that involve prescriptions, qualified professionals, and follow‑up care? Our assessment focuses on actual physical consequences such as blindness, hospitalization, and death. In addition, illegal cosmetic procedures can lead to serious criminal liability.
After experiencing a major setback
Losing a loved one, receiving a serious diagnosis, losing a job, or going through a divorce — these events share one thing in common: they affect not only a person’s mood but also their physical health. The period of highest risk spans from the first few weeks up to the first year. This section does not discuss how to “get over it.” Instead, it outlines which matters need close attention, which decisions should be postponed, and when to seek medical help. Most figures here refer to the risk of death. The four items dealing with costs and benefits relate to money: avoid rushing into grief counseling right away (item 9), call 12356 and schedule a mental health appointment (item 11), postpone any irreversible major decisions (item 12), and never treat death as a way to settle debts (item 13). These two sets of numbers are not interchangeable. For those without family or friends to rely on, item 6 explains how to arrange for someone to keep an eye on things. Details on funeral procedures, handling the body, and claiming benefits after a loved one’s death are covered in section 25. Information on guardianship and wills for elderly relatives appears in section 17. Section 7 describes unemployment benefits. Sections 3 and 22 discuss exercise and light exposure as ways to ease low mood. If suicidal thoughts arise, call 12356 first (see item 25 in section 1); the time frame for such thoughts is explained in item 32 of section 1, while lasting effects after recovery are described in item 33 of section 1. None of these topics are repeated here.
Children after starting school
Section 20 covered the first year of a child’s life. Section 18 discussed how much money and time raising a child requires. The period from ages 3 to 18 was previously left blank in this book; this section fills that gap. The advice on screen time by age group starts at age 0, because official classifications are 0–3 years, 3–6 years, and elementary/middle school — grouping them differently would make the guidance harder to use. This section answers one core question: when “don’t delay learning” conflicts with “protect physical health,” which actions absolutely cannot wait? They cannot wait because each has a strict time window; missing it means permanent consequences. Whether academic pressure should be so intense is not discussed here — only the relevant time windows and figures are provided. The first eight items and the final two address death and lasting physical harm. Item 9 (avoiding products that claim to “cure myopia”) deals with costs. Items 10 (official rules on sleep, homework, and sports rankings) and 11 (keeping school enrollment after a leave of absence) concern time commitments. Information on drowning, traffic safety, helmets, and HPV vaccination can be found in Section 1. Guidance for infants and toddlers is in Section 20. Issues involving online scams and in‑app purchases are covered in Section 5, while red lines minors must not cross are detailed in Section 9. Recognizing emergencies and calling for help are explained in Section 13, and what happens to children after a parent’s death is addressed in Section 29 — none of these topics are repeated here.
What options are available after turning 18?
This section deals with money and time, while the option of avoiding military service also affects personal freedom. It serves as a roadmap of possible paths, not a step‑by‑step guide for any single one. First, we list the legal requirements for each path. Then we describe the details that become relevant only after you decide to pursue them: what benefits military service provides, other ways to enter the civil service besides the civil service exam, which college majors directly lead to government positions, how to later upgrade your education, what kind of employers to seek for overseas work, how to handle social insurance without a formal job, and whether there are government loans that cover part of the interest for those lacking startup capital. Let us be clear: after turning 18 there are many more options than those covered here. We only include paths for which nationwide official documents specify eligibility criteria, requirements, and benefits. Paths such as joining state‑owned enterprises, working in factories, becoming a seafarer, pursuing freelance work, or continuing high school or university lack such uniform documentation. They are certainly possible, but without verifiable legal references we cannot describe their conditions in this book. Choosing a path is entirely up to you. This section provides two things only: the official documents that set the eligibility rules, and the deadlines and qualifications that expire once you start down a particular route. How to weigh the decision between studying and working, and how to pick relevant skills, is explained in Section 23. Overtime pay, workplace injuries, and severance after joining a job are covered in Section 19. Starting or closing a business is discussed in Section 12. Studying abroad is the topic of Section 32, while safety nets for the unemployed are outlined in Section 7. None of those topics are repeated here.
Studying abroad: visa status, work limits, insurance, and degree recognition
This section looks at both the financial costs and personal freedom involved. It does not debate whether studying abroad is a good idea, nor does it compare schools. Instead, it outlines four key points you must know to avoid problems: how to keep your visa status valid, what the legal limits are on working hours, which insurance policies and fees you absolutely need, and whether your degree will be recognized after returning home. The information covers four countries — the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia — with separate figures provided for each. All data comes from official government websites, including each country’s immigration authority and China’s Ministry of Education. **Study‑abroad rules change frequently in these countries, often even more often than regulations in China. All figures listed here are current as of September 2026. Before you travel and each time you renew your visa, be sure to double‑check the latest details using the links provided.** If you run into trouble while abroad — such as needing help from an embassy, understanding what services 12308 offers, or choosing suitable medical and repatriation insurance — please refer to Section 21. For a comparison between studying and working, see Section 23. Information on account theft is in Section 14, while Section 8 covers telecom fraud. These topics are not repeated here.
How to live after becoming disabled
This section covers life after a disability has already occurred. Preventing disability is discussed in Sections 1 and 13, so we won’t repeat that here. We calculate four different categories separately, without converting between them. Mortality rates apply to entries about emergencies and complications. Financial amounts apply to entries about subsidies, benefits, and legal claims. Time requirements apply to entries about education and administrative procedures. Restrictions on personal freedom apply to entries about psychiatric hospitalization, decision‑making capacity, and guardianship. According to a World Health Organization report, roughly 1.3 billion people worldwide experience significant functional limitations — that’s 16% of the global population, or one in every six individuals. On average, people with disabilities die up to 20 years earlier than those without disabilities. They also face twice the risk of depression, asthma, diabetes, stroke, obesity, and poor oral health. Much of this disparity stems not from the disability itself, but from limited access to healthcare, education, employment, and mobility. Hence, half of the entries here address physical health, while the other half cover procedures and rights. Five topics already covered elsewhere are only referenced here without repetition. Instructions for obtaining a disability certificate and how the seven categories and four levels are determined appear in Section 24, Item 11 (Disability Certificate). Timing for disability assessments is explained in Section 24, Item 10 (Disability Assessment). Details on claiming the two main disability subsidies are in Section 7, Item 8 (Two Subsidies). Converting work‑capacity evaluations and disability levels into monetary compensation for workplace injuries is described in Section 19, Item 15 (Work‑Capacity Assessment). Finally, eligibility for long‑term care insurance for severely disabled individuals is outlined in Section 17, Item