Abstract: Objective To investigate the pr evalence of metabolic syndrome in the rural residents and to provide baseline data for prevention and control of metabolic syndrome.Methods Participants aged over 18 years old were selected randomly by cluster sampling technique from two rural communities.A cross-sectional study with questionnaire interview,physical examination and biochemical test was done for all participants.Results The crude prevalence rate and age-adjusted prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome were 27.68% and 18.99%,and increased significantly with the age.Metabolic syndrome was more prevalent among the females compared with the males.Prevalence of the components of metabolic syndrome were almost the highest in the female over 70 years old.The prevalence of metabolic sy ndrome was 72.61% in the obesity.Conclusion The prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome reaches an epidemic level and higher in women and obesity.Intervention programs for metabolic syndrome are needed in rural China.