Red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis) is one of the first-class national protected animals in China, which has been listed as an “Endangered” species by IUCN. We collected and sorted out the publications associated with habitat selection and suitability of red-crowned cranes in 2000-2016, analyzed the habitat selection of red-crowned cranes during breeding, migratory, and wintering period, and determined their suitable and avoidant habitat types of red-crowned cranes in different life stages. Moreover, we examined the habitat changes and their causes of red-crowned cranes in breeding, stopover, and wintering sites. This study provides some evidence for scientifically evaluating the impacts of habitat changes on the wild population of red-crowned cranes and carrying out some specific protection and management actions, and would benefit the healthy and sustainable development of wild red-crowned cranes.