Abstract: Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Beilun district of Ningbo, Zhejiang province, from 2008 to 2012, and provide scientific evidence for HFMD control and prevention. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the incidence data of HFMD in Beilun during this period collected from national disease reporting information system. Results A total of 4256 HFMD cases, including 35 severe cases and 3 deaths, were reported, the annual average incidence was 99.57/lakh, the case fatality was 0.70. The incidence peak of HFMD was during May-July, but the incidence peaks in 2011 and 2012 occurred earlier than before, and the sub peaks occurred during October-December. The cases aged 0-5 years accounted for 96.08% of the total. The male to female ratio of the cases was 1.57:1. Most cases were preschool aged children. Among the reported cases, 253 were laboratory confirmed, accounting for 5.94% of the total. Among the laboratory confirmed cases, EV71, Cox A16 and other entericvirus infections accounted for 56.92%, 24.50% and 18.58% respectively. The predominant pathogens causing HFMD changed from EV71 to Cox A16 and other entericviruses during 2011-2012. Conclusion The incidence of HFMD was in an upward trend and with obvious seasonality in Beilun during 2008-2012. It is essential to strengthen the etiological surveillance of HFMD and prevention/control in risk groups.