Capital

Beijing

Official Language

Mandarin

Fun Fact

The Chinese calendar works on a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by an animal

National Animal

Giant Panda

National Bird

Red-crowned Crane

Add a PDF file and cover image

Animal Laws of China

The Animal Laws of China PDF contains the general animal protection laws and related statutes for China. Uncaged World updates these bi-annually. Always check official sources for the most up-to-date legal status.

Animals of China

Red-crowned Crane

IUCN Red List: Endangered

The Red-crowned Crane is one of the world's largest and most elegant cranes, found in wetlands, marshes, and river valleys of East Asia. It is recognized by its white plumage, black neck and wings, and the distinctive patch of bare red skin on its head. Red-crowned Cranes feed on fish, insects, amphibians, and aquatic plants and are celebrated in many cultures as symbols of longevity, fidelity, and good fortune. Habitat loss and wetland degradation have made this iconic bird endangered.

Giant Panda

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

The Giant Panda is a bear found in the mountain forests of central China. Recognized by its distinctive black-and-white fur, it feeds primarily on bamboo, although it also eats fruits and small animals on occasion. Giant Pandas play an important role in maintaining healthy mountain forests by supporting the ecosystems where bamboo thrives. Conservation efforts have helped increase their population, making them one of the world's greatest wildlife conservation success stories.

Golden Snub-nosed Monkey

IUCN Red List: Endangered

The Golden Snub-nosed Monkey is a colorful primate found in the mountain forests of central China. It is recognized by its golden-orange fur, bright blue face, and upturned nose. Living in large social groups, it feeds on leaves, lichens, fruits, seeds, and bark. Adapted to cold mountain climates, this endangered monkey is one of the few primates that can thrive in snowy forests year-round.

Chinese Giant Salamander

IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered

The Chinese Giant Salamander is the world's largest amphibian, found in the cool mountain streams of China. It can grow over five feet long and feeds on fish, frogs, crustaceans, and other aquatic animals. Mostly active at night, it relies on sensitive skin to detect movement in the water. Habitat loss, pollution, and overharvesting have made the Chinese Giant Salamander critically endangered.

Crested Ibis

IUCN Red List: Endangered

The Crested Ibis is a rare wading bird found in wetlands, rice fields, and river valleys of East Asia. It is recognized by its white plumage, long curved bill, and the distinctive crest of feathers on its head. Feeding on fish, frogs, insects, and other small aquatic animals, it plays an important role in wetland ecosystems. Once on the brink of extinction, intensive conservation efforts have helped the Crested Ibis make a remarkable recovery.

Snow Leopard

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

The Snow Leopard is a powerful wild cat found in the rugged mountains of Central and South Asia. Recognized by its thick smoky-gray coat, dark rosettes, and long, bushy tail, it is perfectly adapted to cold, rocky environments. Snow Leopards hunt wild sheep, goats, and other mountain animals, using their strength and agility to navigate steep cliffs. Habitat loss, poaching, and declining prey populations have made this elusive predator vulnerable to extinction.