OBJECTIVE To evaluate the quality of diet among rural residents in Hanzhong, Shaanxi province and to investigate the relative factors. METHODS A cross-sectional survey on dietary status together with a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire were conducted among rural residents aged between 18 and 80 in Hanzhong of Shaanxi, in 2010. Quality of diet was evaluated by using DBI-07 scoring and evaluating system. Linear regression models were developed to identify factors related to under or over intakes. RESULTS 2 241 rural residents were under study. 65% of the residents' daily intake of grains, oil and salt exceeded the RNI while animal food, diary food, eggs, vegetables and fruits were under, to some extent. The average values of DBI_LBS and DBI_HBS were 24.83 and 5.70. The proportions of moderate under-intake (25≤DBI_LBS≤36) and moderate over-intake (14≤DBI_HBS≤19)were 33.4% and 51.0%. Factors as family number, education level, fortune index, physical activity, higher labor intensity seemed to be protective for dietary under intake (P < 0.05). Moderate fortune index, drinking alcohol (more than once a week), being male, age and smoking status(>15 cigarettes per day)were risk factors for over-intake of diet (P < 0.05). Factors as larger family size and having had education above the levels senior school were significantly and negatively associated with the over-intake of diet (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The main diet problem among the rural residents was related to under-intaken but over-intake did exist to some extents. Our study results called for specific intervention in improving the quality of diet among the residents in Hanzhong.