The modern giant panda is mainly distributed in the habitats of the Han, Tibetan, and Qiang nationalities in Sichuan, Shanxi, and Gansu Provinces. The first paper about the giant panda published in 1869 by David brought a giant panda mania to the world. Because the fur of the giant panda is rare and has great ornamental and scientific value, many scholars came to hunt specimens or living giant pandas. In 1946, Dakungpao, South Daily began publishing essays to advocate the protection of the giant panda.

On September 14, 1963, the National Council issued On the Protection and Proper Exploration of Wildlife Resources, which clearly defines the natural reserves in the habitats, as well as the rare and precious wild animals and plants. The giant panda was listed in Appendix I. Without the permission from the central government, it is forbidden to capture or hunt giant pandas.

On April 13, 1983, the National Council issued On the Effective And Strict Protection of Rare Animals, which defines protecting rare wild animals as the responsibility of all citizens. To protect rare wild animals also plays an important part of the Spiritual and Material Civilization Construction Project.

On July 14, 1987, the Supreme Court noticed a decision of "panda poaching and smuggling will be severely punished according to the law." In this decision, a smuggling of a panda skin results in at least 10 years' sentence, or even life sentence or death penalty, together with a confiscation of property.

On August 15, 1987, the national council issued An Urgent Notice on Inhibiting Poaching, Smuggling of Rare Wild Animals. It notifies governments of all levels to enforce the protection of wildlife resources, including the giant panda.
On January 8, 1991, the National Council issued a notice: On Enforcing the Protection of Wildlife and Striking Criminal Activities.

On September 1, 1998, the Chinese government ordered that no natural forest shall be cut. Most woodcutters were turned into forestation workers. Meanwhile, the project for returning farming land to forestry were initiated to protect natural environment and wildlife habitats.

In the process of carrying out the Wildlife Conservation Law and other regulations, the important role of education has always been stressed. The government has encouraged and supported local people in the distribution areas of the giant panda to increase their income by planting economical plants. On the other hand, the support from the local people has helped to form a social atmosphere of "protecting the natural environment, protecting the giant panda and other wild animals."