The effect of rare earths (Sm, Pr, Ce, Nd, and La) on the hydrogenation properties of chloronitrobenzene (CNB) over Pt/ZrO2 catalyst was studied in ethanol at 303 K and normal pressure. The results show that the hydrogenation of CNB can be carried out over Pt/ZrO2 catalyst. The order of the hydrogenation rates of CNB is p>m>o, and the yield of chloroaniline (CAN) is p>o>m. The specific rate constant turnover frequency (TOF) expressed per surface Pt atom increases when the platinum catalyst is modified by rare earth. The conversion of CNB is >99% and CAN is the main product in the hydrogenation of CNB over PtM/ZrO2 catalysts. The PtPr/ZrO2 catalyst shows the best selectivity of CNB to CAN: 89.4 mol% for o-CAN, 94.6 mol% for m-CAN and 95.1 mol% for p-CAN.