To survey the diversity, abundance, and distribution of mammals and birds in the Yading National Nature Reserve we deployed 64 camera traps from May to November 2017. Across 8,394 trapping days, we recorded 56 species belonging to 9 orders and 25 families. Among the recorded species, five were Class Ⅰ and thirteen were Class Ⅱ national protected wildlife, and three were Endangered, five were Vulnerable, and four were Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus), Perny's long-nosed squirrel (Dremomys pernyi) and macaque (Macaca mulatta) were the three most abundant mammal species according to the relative abundance index. Blood pheasant (Ithaginis cruentus), giant laughingthrush (Garrulax maximus) and buff-throated partridge (Tetraophasis obscurus) were the three most abundant avian species. In addition to providing a preliminary evaluation of mammal and bird species in the Yading Nature Reserve, we also assessed the level of human disturbance. This is the first study to report direct and quantitative data on species occurrences in this reserve. We provide data and guidance to inform further research, wildlife conservation management, and long-term monitoring programs within the reserve. Ultimately, these baseline data are critical for evaluating the long-term population dynamics and developing effective conservation measures of the local wildlife.