This species, from the mountainous areas of Southern China, has long been kept in aviaries by the Chinese for its beauty. Unfortunately, DNA tests have recently shown that most birds in Europe were hybridised with a related species (the Lady Amherst Pheasant) in Victorian times. However, these birds are the progeny of birds recently donated to The World Pheasant Association and to San Diego Zoo by the Chinese Wildlife Authorities. They may be the only "pure" golden pheasants on public display in the UK.

The male only moults into his adult plumage during his second year; prior to this he resembles the better camouflaged hen.