Sinocalliopteryx, which translates to 'Chinese beautiful feather,' is a genus of carnivorous compsognathid theropod dinosaurs found in the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation of China, specifically the Jianshangou Beds, dating back to approximately 124.6 million years ago.

The type specimen, initially discovered in 2007, measured 2.37 meters (7.78 feet) in length, making it the largest known compsognathid specimen at that time. Subsequently, in 2012, an even larger specimen was reported.

Sinocalliopteryx was a bipedal predator. The preserved length of the holotype specimen is 237 centimeters, with an estimated weight of twenty kilograms as calculated by Gregory S. Paul in 2010. Sinocalliopteryx had an elongated head with a pointed snout, featuring a convex upper profile. This notable size sets Sinocalliopteryx apart as a giant within its group, exceeding the dimensions of other compsognathids like Huaxiagnathus. This kind of size meant that Sinocalliopteryx did not solely prey on the small lizards and mammals typically associated with its smaller relatives. This is confirmed by the presence of a leg from a dromaeosaurid dinosaur discovered in its stomach contents.

Sinocalliopteryx also exhibited prominent protofeathers, some reaching a length of ten centimeters, covering its body. These protofeathers likely initially evolved for insulation. Interestingly, other dinosaurs from the Yixian Formation in China, such as Sinosauropteryx and Sinornithosaurus, present feather patterning. Whether Sinocalliopteryx displayed similar feather patterns remains uncertain. Sinosauropteryx, a closely related dinosaur, is believed to have had coloration on its feathers for defensive purposes, helping it break up its outline and blend into the forest floor. This coloration may have also served to conceal it from larger predators, like Sinocalliopteryx.

Furthermore, Sinocalliopteryx possessed feathers on its feet, a feature previously associated with maniraptorians like Microraptor. The presence of these foot feathers in Sinocalliopteryx suggests that foot feathers had an earlier origin than previously believed in the evolution of maniraptorian dinosaurs.