The COVID-19 pandemic has caused psychological distress among Chinese people. Authors conducted a study (Jan. 31 - Feb. 8) (n=52 730, from 36 provinces) using an online questionnaire openly accessible to the general Chinese population. 34.43% of respondents reported experiencing psychological distress resulting from the pandemic, using the COVID-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI). This study presented decreasing anxiety in respondents following implementation of safety measures. Vulnerable groups include the elderly, the young, women and migrant workers, who showed increased psychological distress than their respective counterparts.