Abstract: Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of viral hepatitis in Xihu district and provide evidence for the development of prevention and control strategy. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the incidence data of viral hepatitis in Xihu district from 2005 to 2011. Results The incidence of viral hepatitis was stable with the average annual rate of 29.02/lakh. The disease occurred sporadically. More male cases were found than female cases. The cases were mainly distributed in workers, staff and the retired in urban area. The cases in age group 20-49 years accounted for 70.77%. Among the different types of viral hepatitis, the average annual incidence of hepatitis A was lowest (1.75/lakh). The incidence of hepatitis B declined gradually from 19.40/lakh in 2005 to 12.85/lakh in 2011. Conclusion The effect of viral hepatitis prevention and control was obvious, but it is still necessary to improve the immunization of hepatitis A and B and strengthen the development of hepatitis E vaccine and its vaccination.