The present study of 2,074 undergraduates at two Chinese universities was designed to identify risk and protective factors for suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation in the past year was reported by 22.3% of the students, a higher percentage than found in previous studies of Chinese and Western university students. Students reporting suicidal ideation also reported higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress, greater hopelessness, less of an orientation to finding a meaning in life through pleasure, and engagement in passive rather than active coping strategies. Some of the differences would seem to provide ideas for strategies for counselors when trying to help suicidal students.