We compared the habitat use by giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in selectively logged forests and timber plantations in the Changqing National Reserve, Shaanxi, China. The results indicated that giant pandas preferred selectively logged forests to abandoned timber plantations. Habitat use of the giant panda was strongly influenced by the over storey canopy cover. Dense over storey canopy in abandoned timber plantations appeared to impede bamboo growth and then resulted in low food availability for the giant pandas. Thus, the abandoned timber plantations were not suitable habitats for giant panda.