In China, wetlands are being continuously developed for economic reasons, which results in the decrease and fragmentation of habitats of water birds such as cranes. In order to better understand China’s crane populations so that they may be better protected as a resource, we studied the migration and ecology of red-crowned and white-naped cranes as indicator species. Combining satellite-tracking results with a litera ture survey and collection of network information, we reviewed the migration flyways, current status of im portant habitats, and main existing issues that surround the conservation of red-crowned and white-naped cranes in China. Our results demonstrate that, due to the development of agriculture, animal husbandry, and industry, Chinese populations of red-crowned and white-naped cranes are under tremendous threat from habi tat destruction, human disturbance, chemical pollution, and bird poaching. Current conservation measures are unlikely to be effective in the protection of crane populations. In order to ease the survival pressure on cranes, preservation of their habitats, protection of the environment along migration flyways, and development of effective management systems are of paramount importance.