Objective The purpose of this study was to study the status of residents' health literacy in Yixiu district of Anqing, to provide evidence for targeted health promotion interventions and strategies. Methods We adopted multi-stage cluster random sampling method in Yixiu district. A total of 360 community residents, teachers, staff, office of civil servants, institution staff and enterprise employees aged 15-69 years old were extracted to complete health literacy questionnaire survey. Results The health literacy level of residents was 3.0%. The level of having basic knowledge and concept, healthy life style and behavior, basic skill level were 7.0%, 6.5% and 5.5%, respectively. The level of 6 kinds of health literacy from high to low were that safety and first aid was 32.5%, scientific health concept was 23.5%, science and medical treatment was 16.5%, health information access was 13.0%, infectious disease prevention was 11.5%, basic health care was 4.5%, and chronic disease prevention was 3.5%. There was statistical significance among different age group, and among teachers with different education level(P<0.05). The level of health literacy among medical staff (79.3%) and institutions' employment (70.0%) was the highest, and among corporate employees (26.25) were the lowest. Conclusion The residents' health literacy level in Yixiu district was not high, with the low level of health literacy among workers in professional crowd. How to improve health literacy of residents and enterprise workers should be at the focus of health promotion.