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The investigation of factors affecting the spatial distribution of forest vegetation on a large scale is a hot topic in forestry and ecology. Numerous studies have reported that climate and human activities have a considerable effect on the spatial distribution of forest vegetation. However, few studies have focused on the effects of soil properties on the spatial distribution of forest vegetation across China. In the present study two indicators were used to explore such soil effects, namely the percentage contribution of soil properties to the spatial distribution of forest vegetation and the similarity of the potential distributions based on climate variables and both climate and soil variables under distribution modelling. We found that 1) soil parameters (e.g., coarse fragment volume and organic carbon stock) contribute to the spatial distribution of forest vegetation in China, although this contribution may vary among different biomes and vegetation classes and 2) the spatial distribution of forest vegetation differs among the different vegetation classes and biomes. Furthermore, soil variables (e.g., coarse fragment volume and organic carbon stock) could play an important role in the spatial distribution of conifer-broadleaf forest vegetation and mountain broad-leaved and conifer-leaved forest vegetation. However, climate variables were more important than soil properties across most vegetation types. It is therefore suggested that 1) coarse fragment volume and organic carbon stock should be used as indicators to monitor forest vegetation and 2) soil properties should be conserved to facilitate reforestation programs in China. The present study provides evidence that soil parameters affect the spatial distribution of forest vegetation in China, facilitating the development of effective management strategies. (C) 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.