The country's first Civil Code－a fundamental and comprehensive civil law that refines rules for protecting civil rights and remedying their infringement－was adopted before the top legislature wrapped up its annual session on Thursday.

"It's the first law called a 'code' since New China was founded, and milestone legislation in comprehensively advancing the rule of law and improving the socialist system of laws with Chinese characteristics," said Li Zhanshu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.

Li said if the whole of society abides by the code, "our society will be more civilized, harmonious and stable". He also called for national legislators to play a leading role in studying, popularizing and following the code.

Li made the remarks at the closing meeting of the third session of the 13th National People's Congress. President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders attended the meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

The Civil Code, which will take effect on Jan 1, consists of general provisions, which clarify basic civil rights, duties and principles, and six individual sections on property, contracts, personal rights, marriage and family and inheritance and torts.

Fu Yuhang, a national lawmaker from Sichuan province, showed her enthusiasm after witnessing the birth of the code."I've been following its legislative process in the past few years, as it greatly matters to everyone's work, life and interests," she said.

Fu applauded the part of the code about protection of personal data, regarding it as a legal basis for formulating a law on personal information protection, which is on the legislative agenda for this year.

Source: China Daily