The group stage is a double round-robin format.

At the end of the season, the two finalists of the play-off will qualify for promotion to 2014 China League One.

Guizhou Zhicheng as the 2012 season champion and Hubei China-Kyle as runner-up earned promotion to the 2013 China League One.

Dongguan Nancheng relocated to Mei County on December 12, 2012 and changed its name to Meixian Hakka.

They are Gansu Aoxin,[1] Liaoning Youth, Qingdao Hainiu,[2] Shandong Tengding,[3] Lijiang Jiayunhao[4] and Meizhou Kejia.