The REST-meta-MDD dataset from the DIRECT consortium is a multi-site resting-state fMRI derivative resource for studying major depressive disorder, aggregating 2,428 previously collected participants from 25 cohorts across 17 hospitals in China (1,300 MDD patients and 1,128 matched normal controls). It provides final preprocessed R-fMRI indices computed locally using a standardized DPARSF-based pipeline with motion confound control (including Friston-24 regression and framewise displacement correction) to reduce analytic heterogeneity. Associated phenotypic information includes sex, first-episode versus recurrent status, and antidepressant medication status where available. The dataset supports replication, secondary analyses, and biomarker discovery while protecting participant privacy.