BACKGROUND The quality control circle (QCC) model has achieved good results in clinical applications in many hospitals in China and has gained popularity. This study aims to explore the application of QCC activities on early ambulation after cesarean section. METHODS A QCC management group was established following standardized methods and techniques. The theme of the group was identified as "to enhance the implementation rate of the patient early ambulation after the cesarean section" through a matrix graph. The early ambulation rates after surgery of patients who received cesarean section were compared before and after QCC managements. RESULTS Our data suggested that the early ambulation rates after cesarean section increased from 37.5% to 81.25% after applying QCC management. The biggest factor influencing the ambulation activities 24 ± 4 hours after the surgery was patients and family members do not cooperate. In addition, outstanding improvements in terms of nurses' sense of responsibility and self-confidence, communication and teamwork capacity in the problem-solving process were observed after the establishment of QCC. CONCLUSIONS The application of QCC management had not only increase the early ambulation rates after cesarean section but also improved the quality of nursery care in general.