What's the difference between "invention patent" and "utility model patent"

According to China's regulations on patents, an invention patent refers to a new technical scheme proposed for a product, method or its improvement. A patent for utility model refers to a new technical scheme for the shape, structure or combination of products, which is suitable for practical use.

References:

patent law of the people's republic of china

Chapter I General Principles

Article 1 This Law is formulated for the purpose of protecting the legitimate rights and interests of patentees, encouraging inventions and creations, promoting the application of inventions and creations, improving innovation ability, and promoting scientific and technological progress and economic and social development.

Article 2 Inventions and creations mentioned in this Law refer to inventions, utility models and designs.

Invention refers to a new technical scheme proposed for a product, method or its improvement.

Utility model refers to a new practical technical scheme for the shape, structure or combination of products.

Appearance design refers to a new design with aesthetic feeling and suitable for industrial application based on the shape, pattern or combination of products and the combination of colors, shapes and patterns.