The local government in Nanjing has issued new rules on child protection.
Parents in that city could face criminal charges if they leave any child under 6-year-old, or those with physical disabilities, on their own.
The new regulations also forbid parents from using long-term hunger as punishment.
Offenders may have their children taken away from them.
Last month, at least eight cases were reported in the city of children either dying or suffering injuries after being left alone by their parents or school staff in locked cars in Nanjing.
Few of the parents involved in the cases have faced charges.