--- - |2+ Abstract The goal of this study was to examine longitudinal associations among unsociability and indices of socio‐emotional functioning in a sample of young Chinese children. Participants were N = 360 children (Mage = 4.72 years, SD = .67) recruited from kindergarten classes in an urban area of China. Assessments of unsociability and adjustment were obtained at 2 time points (separated by 1 year) using multiple source assessments (maternal reports, child interviews, teacher ratings). Among the results, unsociability was concurrently (but not longitudinally) associated with teacher‐rated anxiety‐withdrawal at school. Some evidence of gender differences was also evident, with Time 1 peer preference more strongly associated with lower unsociability at Time 2 among girls than among boys. Results are discussed in terms of the meaning and implications of unsociability among young children in China. Highlights This study explored associations among young children's unsociability and socio‐emotional functioning in China. Unsociability was associated with anxiety‐withdrawal at Time 1 but did not predict emotional or social difficulties 1 year later. Results suggest that unsociable behaviour may not as problematic for young Chinese children. - Infant and Child Development, Volume 27, Issue 5, September/October 2018.