1996 Chinese Jia-A League

The 1996 Chinese Jia-A League (known as Marlboro Jia-A League for sponsorship reasons) was the third season of professional association football and the 35th top-tier overall league season held in China. Starting on April 14, 1996, and ending on October 27, 1996, saw Dalian Wanda win their second championship title.

Promotion and relegation
Teams promoted from 1995 Chinese Jia-B League


 * Shenzhen Feiyada
 * Guangzhou Songri

Teams relegated from 1995 Chinese Jia-A League


 * Qingdao Hainiu
 * Liaoning F.C.

Overview
It was contested by 12 teams, and Dalian Wanda won the championship.

Awards
Player of the year (Golden Ball Award)
 * Su Maozhen (Jinan Taishan Jiangjun)

Top scorer (Golden Boot Award)
 * Su Maozhen (Jinan Taishan Jiangjun)

Manager of the year
 * Chi Shangbin (Dalian Wanda)

Best Referee
 * Lu Jun

CFA Team of the Year

Goalkeeper: Han Wenhai (Dalian Wanda)

Defence: Wei Qun (Sichuan Quanxing), Xu Hong (Dalian Wanda), Zhang Enhua (Dalian Wanda), Wu Chengying (Shanghai Shenhua)

Midfield: Peng Weiguo (Guangzhou Songri), Fan Zhiyi (Shanghai Shenhua), Ma Mingyu (Guangdong Hongyuan), Cao Xiandong

Attack: Hao Haidong (August 1), Gao Feng (Beijing Guoan),