Intentionally damaging public or private property is punishable by up to 5 days’ detention or a fine of up to ¥1,000; where the circumstances are relatively serious, 5 to 10 days’ detention and a possible fine of up to ¥3,000.

(Update: this is Article 59 of the revised Law in force from 1 January 2026, split out of the former Article 49. The baseline penalty is lighter than for theft or fraud.
Note: where damage arises from a private dispute and the circumstances are minor, police may mediate; if a mediated agreement is reached and performed, no penalty is imposed (Article 9).)

故意损毁公私财物的，处五日以下拘留或者一千元以下罚款；情节较重的，处五日以上十日以下拘留，可以并处三千元以下罚款。

（更新提示：本条为2026年1月1日起施行的新版第五十九条，由原第四十九条拆分而来。故意毁财的基础处罚轻于盗窃、诈骗等取得型违法。
注：因民间纠纷引起的损毁他人财物，情节较轻的，公安机关可以调解处理；经调解达成协议并履行的，不予处罚（第九条）。）