Objective To investigate the division of the distribution areas for summer- and autumn-type scrub typhus in China by analyzing the seasonal distribution characteristics of reported scrub typhus cases in China from 2006 to 2018, and to provide a scientific basis for research, prevention and control of scrub typhus vectors. Methods The data of scrub typhus cases reported in China were collected and analyzed, to identify the seasonal and geographical distributions of these cases. Results From 2006 to 2018, the incidence rate of scrub typhus in China increased year by year, with local cases in 31 provincial regions. As for seasonal distribution, the onset of this disease was observed throughout the year, and 88.87% of all cases were observed in June to November. The autumn-type epidemic areas were north to the line from Taihu Lake in Jiangsu to Central Anhui, Southern Henan, and Xi'an in Shaanxi province, and the summer-type epidemic areas were Eastern Tibet, Yunnan, Southern Sichuan, Western Hunan, Southern Jiangxi, and Southern Zhejiang. There was a transitional zone between these two types of epidemic areas. Conclusion The incidence rate of scrub typhus in China has been on the rise since 2006. This disease occurs in different seasons in northern and southern China, with summer- and autumn-type epidemic areas and a transitional zone between them. Therefore, targeted investigation should be performed in different areas for precise intervention.