Dear Authors,
The submission evaluated three datasets including GLDAS, CLDAS, CMFF over China. Such evaluations would be useful for the users to select proper dataset if deep insights can be obtained. Although a lot of work has been done, there are several major concerns raised in the reviewing process, of which the most serious one is the independent dataset from the three dataset. As far as I know, Hydrological Bureau of Ministry of Water Resources maintains a high density of rain gauge network. I suggest authors to use this independent dataset for the evaluation and submit a substantially revised manuscript. The new version will be subject to another round of review before final decision. Thanks for the contribution.

Best,
Fuqiang

Based on the Referees' comments and my own review, I am pleasure to accept your manuscript for publication on HESS. The evaluation on multiple forcing data for precipitation and shortwave radiation over mainland China is helpful for the scientific community. The independent dataset used for evaluation is valuable and the conclusions are reliable.
Please revise the manuscript according to all the comments, especially pay attention to the language. The revised manuscript will be subject to a quick editor's review.