Objective The aim of this study was to generate human cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) transgenic rabbits and analyze their biological properties. Methods We generated human CETP transgenic rabbits by DNA microinjection, and detected the expression of human CETP by real-time PCR and Western blot assay. The activity of CETP was measured using an activity assay kit. Results Human CETP transgenic rabbits were successfully generated by DNA microinjection. Compared with wide type rabbits, the expression of human CETP was dramatically increased in the liver of the human CETP transgenic rabbits. The plasma CETP activity was also much higher in the liver of human CETP transgenic rabbits than that of control rabbits. Conclusions The model of human CETP transgenic rabbits is successfully established by DNA microinjection. It will provide a useful tool for the studies of CETP biological function and its involvement in the mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases.