We compiled a new soil respiration (R_s) database of China's forests from 568 studies published up to 2018. The hourly, monthly, and annual samples were 8317, 5003, and 634, respectively. Most of the R_s data are shown in figures but were seldom exploited. For the first time, these data were digitized, accounting for 82 % of samples. R_s measured with common methods was selected (Li-6400, Li-8100, Li-8150, gas chromatography) and showed small differences of ~10 %. Bamboo had the highest R_s.