The Most Popular Animal in China, Ranked

Choose the animal you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 30, 2024 06:28
In a country as rich in biodiversity as China, the affection for and cultural significance of various animals vary distinctly from one region to another. This highlights the importance of understanding which animals hold a special place in the hearts of the people across this vast nation. By ranking these beloved creatures, we gain insight into regional preferences and the cultural importance of each animal. Joining in this ranking not only feeds curiosity but also enhances collective understanding of wildlife appreciation. It allows you to express your preferences and see how they align with others from around the country. This interaction fosters a broader appreciation and advocacy for wildlife, encouraging protective and preservation efforts targeted at the most cherished animals.

What Is the Most Popular Animal in China?

  1. 1
    51
    votes
    The giant panda is China's national treasure and is one of the most beloved animals in the world. They are native to central China and are known for their distinctive black and white markings.
    The Panda is a large, adorable mammal known for its distinctive black and white coloration. It has a round face with black patches around its eyes, ears, and limbs. Pandas are native to China, where they are considered national treasures and are highly protected.
    • Scientific Name: Ailuropoda melanoleuca
    • Average Weight: 80 kg - 150 kg
    • Average Length: 1.2 m - 1.5 m
    • Habitat: Bamboo forests in southwestern China
    • Diet: Mainly bamboo, but also eat fruits, insects, and occasionally meat
  2. 2
    49
    votes
    Although not a real animal, the dragon holds a significant place in Chinese mythology and culture. It is believed to bring good luck, fortune, and prosperity.
    The Dragon is a majestic and powerful creature in Chinese astrology. It is one of the most beautiful and revered zodiac signs, known for its strength, charisma, and luck. It is associated with the element of Wood and has a yang energy. People born under the Dragon sign are said to be ambitious, confident, and passionate. They are natural leaders and possess great intuition and intelligence. The Dragon is also believed to bring good fortune and prosperity.
    • Element: Wood
    • Energy: Yang
    • Characteristics: Ambitious, confident, passionate
    • Leadership: Natural leaders
    • Intuition: Strong intuition
  3. 3
    19
    votes
    This bird is revered in Chinese culture and is known for its elegant and graceful appearance. They are found in wetlands and forests in northeastern China.
    The Red-crowned crane, also known as the Japanese crane or Manchurian crane, is a large graceful bird native to East Asia. It is considered one of the most treasured and majestic birds in China.
    • Scientific Name: Grus japonensis
    • Average Height: 150 cm - 158 cm
    • Average Wingspan: 210 cm - 225 cm
    • Feathers: Primarily white with a red crown
    • Range: China, Russia, Japan, and Korea
  4. 4
    10
    votes
    Siberian tiger
    Appaloosa · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Also known as the Amur tiger, this large predator is found in northeastern China and is a symbol of strength and courage.
    The Siberian tiger, also known as the Amur tiger, is a large and powerful carnivorous mammal native to the Russian Far East and Northeast China. It is considered one of the most difficult animals to hunt due to its size, agility, and elusive nature.
    • Size: Adult males can reach up to 10.8 ft (3.3 m) in length and weigh up to 660 lb (300 kg).
    • Agility: Siberian tigers are excellent climbers and swimmers, giving them an advantage in both pursuit and escape.
    • Speed: They can run at speeds up to 50 mph (80 km/h) in short bursts, making them swift and difficult to outrun.
    • Camouflage: Their orange-brown fur with black stripes provides effective camouflage in their forested habitats.
    • Hunting habits: They are solitary hunters and mainly feed on large ungulates such as deer and wild boars.
    Siberian tiger in other rankings
  5. 5
    10
    votes
    Chinese alligator
    Greg Hume · CC BY-SA 3.0
    This small and endangered species of crocodile is found only in China and is considered a national treasure.
    The Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis), also known as the Yangtze alligator, is a critically endangered reptile and one of the two known species of alligators in the world. It is native to the freshwater wetlands of eastern China.
    • Scientific Name: Alligator sinensis
    • Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
    • Habitat: Freshwater wetlands
    • Range: Eastern China
    • Size: Up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) in length
  6. 6
    21
    votes
    This endangered species of monkey is found in the mountains of southwestern China and is known for its striking appearance and playful behavior.
    The Golden monkey, also known as the Golden snub-nosed monkey, is a unique primate species found in China. With its distinctive appearance and behavior, it has become one of the most popular animals in the country.
    • Scientific Name: Rhinopithecus roxellana
    • Habitat: Mountainous regions of southwestern China
    • Physical Appearance: Golden fur, short snub-nose, pale blue skin on the face, prominent cheek pouches
    • Size: Adult males: 19-27 inches, excluding tail. Adult females: 18-25 inches, excluding tail
    • Weight: Adult males: 13-20 pounds. Adult females: 12-16 pounds
  7. 7
    11
    votes
    This scaly anteater is native to China and is highly valued for its meat and scales. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most trafficked animals in the world.
    The Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) is a species of pangolin native to China. It is known for its unique appearance, characterized by overlapping scales made of keratin, which provide it with protection against predators. The Chinese pangolin has a long, cylindrical body, a small head, and a long, sticky tongue that it uses to catch ants and termites, which form the majority of its diet. It has sharp claws that enable it to dig burrows in the ground and climb trees.
    • Scientific Name: Manis pentadactyla
    • Average Weight: 2-7 kg
    • Average Length: 40-70 cm
    • Habitat: Forest and grassland areas of China
    • Diet: Ants and termites
  8. 8
    5
    votes
    This large mammal is found in the high-altitude grasslands of Tibet and is known for its impressive horns and woolly coat. They are also hunted for their wool.
    The Tibetan antelope, also known as the chiru, is a magnificent mammal found in the high-altitude Tibetan Plateau of China. It is known for its unique appearance and remarkable adaptations to its extreme habitat.
    • Scientific Name: Pantholops hodgsonii
    • Size: 1.1 to 1.5 meters in length
    • Weight: 40 to 65 kilograms
    • Horns: Both males and females have long, slender, curved horns
    • Coat: Thick, warm, and creamy white in color
  9. 9
    11
    votes
    This elusive big cat is found in the mountains of central and western China and is revered in Chinese culture for its beauty and strength.
    The Snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is a large, elusive feline species native to the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia. It is known for its majestic beauty and adapted features that enable it to thrive in the harsh and cold environments it inhabits.
    • Conservation Status: Endangered
    • Habitat: Rocky mountainous areas
    • Size: Head and body length: 90-130 cm (35-51 in), Tail length: 80-105 cm (31-41 in)
    • Weight: Male: 25-55 kg (55-121 lb), Female: 22-41 kg (48-90 lb)
    • Fur: Long, thick, and pale gray with rosette-like dark spots and rings
    Snow leopard in other rankings
  10. 10
    9
    votes
    Chinese white dolphin
    takoradee · CC BY 2.5
    Also known as the pink dolphin, this species of dolphin is found in the Pearl River Delta in southern China and is considered a national treasure.
    The Chinese white dolphin is a marine mammal found in the coastal waters of China.
    • Scientific Name: Sousa chinensis
    • Common Name: Chinese white dolphin
    • Habitat: Coastal waters of China
    • Conservation Status: Vulnerable
    • Size: Adults reach lengths of 2.5 to 3.5 meters

Missing your favorite animal?

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Ranking factors for popular animal

  1. Cultural significance
    The role the animal plays in Chinese culture, traditions, and folklore should be considered. This includes animals that are symbols of luck, prosperity, or are part of famous stories and myths.
  2. Domestication and pet ownership
    The number of households that own the animal as a pet or farm animal can indicate its popularity.
  3. Wildlife and conservation status
    The presence of the animal in the wild and its conservation status within China can also influence its popularity. This includes animals that are endemic to China or are part of conservation efforts.
  4. Economic importance
    The economic value of the animal, whether it is for food, fur, or other products, can contribute to its overall popularity within the country.
  5. Aesthetic appeal
    The animal's appearance or how "cute" or "beautiful" it is perceived to be by the general public can also play a role in determining its popularity.
  6. Media representation
    The depiction of the animal in Chinese media, such as television shows, movies, literature, and online platforms, can influence public opinion and popularity.
  7. Accessibility
    The ease of access to the animal, whether in zoos, parks, or wildlife reserves, can also contribute to its popularity.
  8. Animal symbolism
    The association of certain animals with specific beliefs or philosophical concepts can also contribute to their popularity, such as the dragon symbolizing power and wisdom, or the rabbit symbolizing gentleness and kindness.
  9. Historical context
    The importance of the animal throughout Chinese history, particularly in relation to emperors, dynasties, and other significant events, should be considered.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular animal in China. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or animal is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2298 views
  • 188 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each animal once every 24 hours. The rank of each animal is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular animal in china

China is home to a diverse array of wildlife, with over 500 species of mammals alone. However, when it comes to the most popular animal in China, one stands out above the rest: the giant panda. These lovable black-and-white bears have been a symbol of China for decades, and are beloved by people all around the world. In fact, the giant panda is so popular that it has become an important part of China's conservation efforts, with many organizations working to protect and preserve the species. Despite their popularity, giant pandas are still considered an endangered species, with only around 1,800 remaining in the wild.

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