The canopy rainfall interception modei linked to environmental conditions and biological features is established on the basis of stationary observation and measurements in China. Upscaling from site observation to regional Ievel estimation of canopy rainfall interception has been made. The potential interception value of forests during the rainfall season in China according to rainfall records of May, July and September in the year 1982, has been simulated and mapped under the GIS software package Idrisi. It coincides well with the spatial and chronological pattern of rainfall in China and can be concluded to reflect the reality. The potential canopy rainfall interception of forests in China based on the potential distribution of forests provides a basis to regional water budget as well as rational use of regional water resources. It is also important to the assessment of forest ecosystem service in China, which is demanded by both scientists and policy makers for the evaluation of afforestation and nat The canopy rainfall interception modei linked to environmental conditions and biological features is established on the basis of stationary observation and measurements in China. Upscaling from site observation to regional Ievel estimation of canopy rainfall interception has been made. The potential interception value of forests during the rainfall season in China according to rainfall records of May, July and September in the year 1982, has been simulated and mapped under the GIS software package Idrisi. It coincides well with the spatial and chronological pattern of rainfall in China and can be concluded to reflect the reality. The potential canopy rainfall interception of forests in China based on the potential distribution of forests provides a basis to regional water budget as well as rational use of regional water resources. It is also important to the assessment of forest ecosystem service in China, which is demanded by both scientists and policy makers for the evaluation of aff orestation and nat