In its natural habitat the Chinese Hamster lives in burrows which it excavates itself. Some burrows have a single entrance hole while others have two or even three entrances.

The complex burrows with multi-entrances are most likely to be the domain of experienced, mature animal and it is probably younger individuals that are responsible for the simpler burrows.

Chinese hamsters have quiet temperaments and are easily handled. One of their endearing traits is that of clinging to a finger with all four paws, rather like a harvest mouse on a corn stalk. Chinese hamsters can be quite nervous as youngsters, however, once they are tame, display an endearing calmness and gentleness of character

In common with other small rodents, Chinese hamsters have poor eye-sight, however, they have acute senses of smell and hearing.

In the wild, Chinese Hamsters do not hibernate continuously but awaken from time to time to eat stored food. As the weather becomes colder, Chinese Hamsters enter into deep-sleep and the intervals between spells of waking become longer.