10 rare animals found only in China and where to spot them

China is among the world's megadiverse countries, home to an extraordinary range of ecosystems. Given its unique and varied landscapes, China is home to the world’s most unique endemic species, many of which cannot be found anywhere else on Earth. For wildlife travellers, the country is paradise. Many of these species are endangered, rare and can only be spotted in protected regions or national parks and reserves or breeding centres.

On this note, let’s have a look at 10 of the rarest animals found only in China.

The giant panda represents China. The cute creature was once spread across much of southern China. Today it can be spotted in the bamboo forests of Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces. But the good thing is that the giant pandas are no longer classified as Endangered species thanks to conservation success.

Where travellers can see them

Wolong National Nature Reserve
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Giant Panda National Park

The Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey is among the world's most unique primates and can be recognisable by its bright golden-orange fur and distinctive blue face. These monkeys live in high-altitude temperate forests in central China. Wildlife photographers consider them among Asia's most rewarding primate sightings.

Where travellers can see them

Shennongjia National Park (Hubei)
Qinling Mountains (Shaanxi)
Foping National Nature Reserve

The Chinese Giant Salamander can grow up to two metres and is the world's largest amphibian. Unfortunately, wild populations have declined dramatically because of habitat loss and pollution. Illegal harvesting is another issue.

The Chinese Alligator is relatively small, rarely exceeding two metres. It survives naturally only in eastern China's Anhui Province, where intensive conservation programmes have prevented its extinction. Anhui Chinese Alligator National Nature Reserve is where you can experience them.

Ironically, this species disappeared from the wild in China over a century ago but was saved through captive breeding in Europe before being successfully reintroduced. The deer is known for its unusual appearance and is described as having the hooves of a cow, neck of a camel, tail of a donkey and antlers of a deer.

Where travellers can see them

Dafeng Milu National Nature Reserve
Beijing Milu Park

The Chinese Mountain Cat is among Asia's least-known wild cats. They live in the remote grasslands and alpine meadows of the Tibetan Plateau.

Where travellers can see them

Qinghai Province
Eastern Tibetan Plateau

Yunnan Snub-Nosed Monkey is also known as the black-and-white snub-nosed monkey. It’s an endangered primate and is among the world's highest-living monkeys.

Where travellers can see them

Baimaxueshan National Nature Reserve, Yunnan

The most unique thing about Chinese water deer is that it has no antlers. Males have long, fang-like canine teeth that have earned it the nickname vampire deer.

Where travellers can see them

Jiangsu coastal wetlands
Yancheng National Nature Reserve

The Chinese Crested Tern are also known as the bird of legend. The Chinese crested tern was once feared extinct until being rediscovered in 2000 and today it is among the world's rarest seabirds.

Where birdwatchers travel

Zhejiang coastal islands
Jiushan Islands during breeding season

The Tibetan Fox has an unusually square-shaped face and piercing eyes. It’s a popular creature on the internet. Despite its growing popularity online, the species occurs naturally only on the Tibetan Plateau within China and neighbouring high Himalayan regions.

Travellers exploring Qinghai and Tibet occasionally spot these foxes hunting pikas across open landscapes.