Objective To study the differentially expressed proteins in the skin of Chinese hamster, and explore the mechanism of albinism. Method Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was performed to separate the differentially expressed proteins, and subsequently they were identified by mass spectrometry. Results Totally 2700-3000 spots were detected in the samples. Sixty-four differentially expressed spots were detected. Among them 33 significant differential protein spots were observed. There were 14 spots matched with real proteins in the 33 spots, and only 11 differential proteins were found. These identified proteins could be divided into 4 categories according to their functions: (1) glycometabolism proteins; (2) transport proteins; (3) cytoskeletal proteins; (4) other proteins. Conclusions There are significant differences between the Chinese hamster and albino ones. Some proteins are involved in the pathogenesis mechanism of albinism, which may be helpful in the study of albinism and may become therapeutic target sites.