The ZBD-2000 family consists of three main models which are likely to replace China's previous generation of amphibious vehicles over the next decade. The basic ZBD-2000 features a sharply angled boat-like hull (developed from the ZBD-97/04 IFV) made of welded steel and conventional layout with the driver compartment located in the front hull, the engine compartment behind, and the troop compartment to the rear (troops enter and exit through a powered rear door). The vehicle is propelled through the water by two large water jets located on the hull rear. Equipment consists of GPS navigation, night vision, computerized fire-control and laser rangefinder. The base ZBD-2000 features only a machine gun as defensive armament but the ZBD-05 IFV incorporates a welded steel turret with a 30-mm autocannon. The ZTD-05 light tank goes further and is armed with a 105-mm gun, but lacks the troop compartment. All vehicles are modular in design, which means that components such as the turrets are interchangeable. The ZBD-2000 family is currently only in service with the PLA Marines and is likely to replace the Type 62 and 63.

The base ZBD-2000 entered service in 2006 but likely only in small numbers compared to the other two main designs in the family. One of these is the ZBD-05 IFV, which features a two-man turret armed with a 30-mm autocannon and a roof-mounted missile launcher for HJ-73 ATGMs. The troop load, however, is reduced to just eight. The ZTD-05 is a light amphibious tank armed with a shorter barreled 105-mm gun capable of firing HE, HEAT, APFSDS rounds as well as ATGMs. Command post and armored recovery vehicle variants are known to exist as well.