To clarify the differential responses of lianas and vines to rainfall we investigated the distribution and abundance of climbers along the rainfall gradient in the Qinling Mountains of China. In our study 28 climbing species were investigated across a rainfall gradient of 500–1200 mm. Results indicated that most lianas and vines show restricted distribution along the rainfall gradient which imply their adaptation to different water availabilities. A significant increase in the percentage of the total climbing species with rainfall was observed. The abundance and richness of lianas increased significantly with rainfall whereas the vines remained constant. This difference implies that lianas have a higher sensitivity to water availability than vines. During drought lianas may be vulnerable because of the drought-induced embolism whereas vines are drought-resistant because of their shorter life spans and safer nutrient storage. Further research on the ecophysiological differences between lianas and vines is needed to provide a mechanistic explanation for the patterns described here.