zài在zhōng guó中国，qí shí其实yě也kě yǐ可以gǎi xìng改姓？
Many people think that their surname is fixed at birth and can never be changed during their lifetime.
But in fact, under Chinese law, both surnames and given names can be changed legally.
However, the requirements for changing a surname are higher, and the rules are stricter than those for changing a given name.
According to the law, adults aged 18 or older do not need their parents’ consent and can apply to change their surname at a local police station on their own.
However, this does not mean that you can change it to just anything you want.
Applicants must have a legitimate reason.
For example, they may change their father’s surname to their mother’s surname, or adopt their grandparents’ surname. If the original surname is difficult to pronounce, likely to lead to unpleasant nicknames, or negatively affect their life, they may also apply to change it.
However, an application will certainly be rejected if the only reason is to have fun or to use an internet buzzword as a surname.
For minors under 18, the rules are even stricter: both parents must agree.
Even if the parents are divorced, neither parent can make the decision alone.
In addition, although changing a surname is possible, the follow-up procedures are very troublesome.
After successfully changing their surname, people must update their ID card, bank cards, driver’s license, social security card, and various other important records one by one at the relevant service counters.
If even one record is left unchanged, they may run into trouble when handling official matters later.
Changing one’s surname is a serious matter.
If you have genuine difficulties and a reasonable reason, the law will open this door for you; but without adequate preparation, it is best not to try it lightly.