Direct answer: Pick institution from the clause and the enforcement target, then open the city desk for local counsel. Parent: recovery map · clause test.
Direct answerClarity over brandAt a glanceFour seatsScopeWhat a card isWorkflowClause then cityMistakesCity-only clausesChecklistBefore you file
Direct answer
CIETAC is common; it is not “China arbitration.” SHIAC, SCIA, BAC and GZAC have their own rules. Hangzhou, Nanjing, Chengdu and Suzhou have city desks in this vintage without a dedicated institution card.
At-a-glance cards
| City | Institution card | City dispute desk |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing | CIETAC & BAC | Beijing lawyers |
| Shanghai | SHIAC | Shanghai lawyers |
| Shenzhen | SCIA | Shenzhen lawyers |
| Guangzhou | GZAC | Guangzhou lawyers |
| Hangzhou | No dedicated card in vintage 1 | Hangzhou lawyers |
| Nanjing | No dedicated card | Nanjing lawyers |
| Chengdu | No dedicated card | Chengdu lawyers |
| Suzhou | No dedicated card | Suzhou lawyers |
Overview: CIETAC / SHIAC / SCIA explained. Statute: 2026 Arbitration Law.
Scope
A card is a pairing of our institution guide and our city lawyer desk. It is not a recommendation that every contract in that city must use that institution. Foreign seats remain on the foreign-seated workflow.
Practical workflow
- Run the clause-quality test.
- Open the institution guide that the clause actually names.
- Open the city desk where assets, evidence or hearings will sit.
- If the clause is city-only, treat that as a defect — do not “pick CIETAC because Beijing.”
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Why it fails |
|---|---|
| City name = institution | Beijing is not CIETAC. |
| CIETAC rules in a SHIAC case | Wrong instrument. |
| Ignoring GBA options when assets are in Shenzhen | Seat and assets can diverge. |
| Treating this table as official rankings | It is our directory. |
Action checklist
- [ ] Named institution matches a card or is flagged “other.”
- [ ] Seat ≠ venue ≠ city brand.
- [ ] City desk opened for preservation / enforcement staffing.
- [ ] Clause issue-list PDF attached to the counsel email.