Abstract: Objective To analyze epidemiological trends and characteristics of syphilis in Zhuhai City and provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of epidemic of syphilis. Methods Stratified cluster sampling method was employed in 4 administrative districts (towns) of Zhuhai City, to obtain the incidence data of syphilis from the “Disease Surveillance Report Management System”. The epidemiological trend and characteristics of syphilis was analyzed using descriptive epidemiological method. Results There were 486 cases of syphilis and no deaths from 2005 to 2012. The annual incidence rates were 2.99/100 000,4.10/100 000,4.50/ 100 000,9.30/100 000,8.52/100 000,18.25/100 000,31.31/100 000,and 33.89/100 000，respectively, with average annual incidence rate of 15.90/100 000. The annual incidence rates exhibited an increasing trend. The primary, secondary, and late stages of syphilis as well as congenital and recessive syphilis accounted for 29.21% (142 cases), 32.92% (160), 1.03% (5), 1.65% (8), and 35.19% (171), respectively. Except the congenital syphilis, the age of syphilis onset began at 15, mainly between 20 to 49 years old, accounting for 76.95% (374 cases),and the age of 60 and over (9.67%). The majority cases of syphilis were those conducting the commercial service, and households and the unemployed, with the proportions of 20.08% (96 cases) and 18.41% (88), respectively. Recessive syphilis cases increased year by year. From 2006 on, the number of recessive syphilis cases surpassed the ones of primary stage of syphilis; and the number of recessive syphilis cases increased rapid in 2010, accounting for 55.07% (38/69). Occupational structures of syphilis onset varied in each year (P<0.01) and the proportion of households and the unemployed, retirees, and students increased yearly. The number of primary syphilis cases in male accounted for 67.61%, while the recessive syphilis is similar for both men and women (51.46%, 48.54%). Households and the unemployed related recessive syphilis accounts for 22.01%, while commercial service related primary syphilis accounts for 22.05%. Conclusion There is an increasing trend of syphilis being diagnosed in Zhuhai city annually, and the number of recessive syphilis has surpassed that of the primary stage of syphilis, There is evidence that the infected population is growing in numbers and this indicate a strong need and awareness to educate the general population of all walks of life on the prevention of syphilis in the city.