As a consequence of habitat loss and degradation, the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) in China has become endangered and in need of urgent protection. In situ conservation of leopard cats must be based on understanding of their habitat selection patterns and ecological characteristics of their preferred habitats. From July 10-August 31, 2019, we studied the summer habitat of leopard cats using line transect surveys and point-centered plots in the northern Taihang Mountain region surrounding Beijing, China. We compared used plots with non-used plots in elevation, tree canopy and 20 other ecological variables, and used Vanderploeg&Scavia's resource selection index (VSI) to analyze habitat preferences in terms of biological factors, abiotic factors and anthropogenic disturbance factors. Results show that tree canopy (25.0±5.3%), tree height (6.2±1.6 m), tree density (8.2±2.2 /plot) and stump quantity (0.2±0.1 /plot) of used plots were significantly lower than non-used plots in summer, and that leopard cats preferred habitats located on northern, flat slopes with lower slope (54.17%), shrub-dominated (80.77%), dry soil (50.00%) and less fallen-wood. Leopard cats had a strong tendency to use habitats near human disturbance areas with moderate levels of disturbance intensity. The results suggest that future conservation efforts should emphasize: (1) strengthening the protection and management of forest fringe shrub habitats to improve summer habitat suitability, and (2) environmental education and animal protection campaigns to promote community biodiversity conservation.