The 1997 Chinese Jia-A League (known as Marlboro Jia-A League for sponsorship reasons) was the fourth season of professional association football and the 36th top-tier overall league season held in China. Starting on March 16, 1997, and ending on November 29, 1997, it was performed by 12 teams and Dalian Wanda won the championship making it their third championship title.^{[citation needed]}

On 20 July 1997, in a round 10 league fixture, Beijing Guoan defeated Shanghai Shenhua in the Jing–Hu rivalry by a score of 9−1.

Teams promoted from 1996 Chinese Jia-B League

• Qianwei Huandao
• Qingdao Hainiu

Teams relegated from 1996 Chinese Jia-A League

• Shenzhen Feiyada
• Guangzhou Songri

• China - List of final tables (RSSSF)