It is endemic to East Asia and is quite distinct from the other species placed in the genus Chiromantes.

[1] Chiromantes haematocheir has a square carapace with a smooth surface and irregular stripes along the sides.

Males have large, smooth chelae with curved claws.

The color of these crabs varies throughout their development; juvenile crabs typically have a white or yellow carapace, while adults are usually crimson red.

[2] A variety of C. haematocheir can be found in Nagano prefecture, Japan, where elevations often exceed 600 metres (2,000 ft) above sea level, and distances to the ocean can be over 80 kilometres (50 mi).