Abstract: Objective The study was conducted to explore the epidemiological characteristics and incidence trend of STDs in Dali Prefecture of Yunnan Province from 2001 to 2005 for the government to develop scientific STDs control strategies.Methods The STDs epidemic reporting data of Dali during the period of 2001-2005 was analyzed using Excel software.Results A total of 7145 cases of 8 kinds of sexually transmitted diseases were reported in Dali,the average reported STD incidence rate being 42.86/lakh in the last five years with an annual increase of 75.74%.The incidence showed an ascending trend(trend test P0.01)with the HIV-positive rate increasing the most(148.28%),followed by non-gonococcal(84.86%),again by genital herpes(35.28%),and condyloma acuminata(27.12%).The incidence of gonorrhea showed a declining trend since 2002,averagely decreasing in the last five years 4.91%.Conclusion The incidence of STDs in Dali still showed an ascending trend,though the epidemic spectrum was altering,which suggested that the prevention measures and the allocation of resources should be adjusted accordingly.