three years. The limitation period for applying to the people's court for protection of civil rights is three years. The limitation period of action shall be counted from the date on which the obligee knows or should know that his rights have been damaged.
 Article 188 of the Civil Code of the People's Republic of China has a limitation of action of three years for requesting the people's court to protect civil rights. If the law provides otherwise, such provisions shall prevail.
 The limitation period of action shall be counted from the date when the obligee knows or should know that his rights have been damaged and the obligor. If the law provides otherwise, such provisions shall prevail. However, if it has been more than 20 years since the date of damage to rights, the people's court shall not protect them. Under special circumstances, the people's court may decide to extend them on the application of the obligee.