Abstract: ObjectiveTo examine the status of physical exercise among urban and rural elementary and middle school students in Zhengzhou city and to provide scientific basis for making effective interventions.MethodsTotally 3 163 students were selected from 9 schools in Zhangzhou city and were surveyed on physical exercise during the latest month with an anonymous questionnaire.ResultsAmong the students,53.9% had physical education(PE) class 2 times a week and 32.7% had PE class more than 3 times a week.The rate of taking part in vigorous and minor exercise in urban students was higher than that of in the rural students(P<0.05).The rates of taking part in anaerobic exercise,mixed aerobic exercise and different intensity exercise in the boys was higher than those of in the girls(P<0.05).The rates of taking part in different exercise and different intensity exercise in high school students were lower than those of in the primary and middle school students(P<0.05).The time of riding a bicycle to the school and sedentary time in the high school students were longer than those in the primary and middle school students(P<0.05).ConclusionThe rate of taking part in PE class in urban students was better than in rural students.Boys had more interesting in physical exercise than girls.The status of taking part in physical exercise in high school students needs to be improved.