Abstract： Objective To investigate the health-related quality of life (HRQOL), demographic characteristics, and health behaviors of the Chinese elderly to find out high-risk population and behaviors. Methods Data was collected from a cross-sectional survey performed in Jiangsu, Anhui, Gansu,Qinghai, Fujian, Beijing, Jilin, Jiangxi, and Henan province. MOS SF-36 was used for HRQOL assessment, t test was used for HRQOL comparison between the elderly and the general population. Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the affecting factors. Results The HRQOL among the Chinese elderly were PF ( Physical Functioning) 79 ± 21, RP ( Role-Physical ) 68 ± 40, BP ( Bodily Pain) 72 ± 23, GH ( General Health) 57±22, VT ( Vitality ) 69 ± 20, SF ( Social Functioning) 79 ± 23, RE ( Role-Emotional ) 72 ±40, M H ( Mental Health)76 ± 18, which were lower than Sichuan Norm on 7 dimensions ( P ＜ 0. 05 ; except on M H dimension) and lower than Hangzhou Norm on 5 dimensions (P ＜ 0. 05 ;except on GH, VT, and MHdimensions). The important affecting factors included physical exercise, education level, medical history of chronic disease, age, race, marriage, body mass index ( BMI ), sleeping habits, and gender. Conclusions Compared with the general population, the HRQOL in the elderly might be lower. The health policy and community heahhcare services should focus on the elderly individuals with insufficient exercise, lower education level, chronic disease history, and ethnic minority, or widows. Health education should encourage them to improve physical exercise and sleeping behavior.