Abstract: Objective To investigate the current condition of adaptation behaviors to heat wave, and further explore the related factors of adaptation behavior in residents of Guangdong Province. Methods A total of 2 183 adults were selected by a four-stage sampling method in Guangdong Province. A household member aged 15-69 years was determined using KISH table in each household to complete the questionnaire. Each subject was interviewed at his/her home with a structured questionnaire by a well trained investigator from September to November 2010. The questionnaire contained socio-demographic characteristics, heat wave related knowledge, awareness of heat wave, adaptation behaviors to heat wave, and personal world view. ANCOVA tests were employed in the present study. Results The average age of total 2 183 participants was 39.31±14.16 years, among which 1 164 (53.37%) were males, and 1 064 (48.74%) were selected from the urban. 38.62% of the participants reported that they knew about heat wave. The mean score of the risk perception in related to heat wave among the residents was 4.22(1-7). 98.05% of the participants employed at least one adaptation behavior during the heat wave; the most common adaptation behavior adopted was drinking more fluids (87.04%), the least adaptive behavior adopted was seeking an air-conditioned location (30.40%). The average adaptation score was 4.80±2.39. The scores were higher in middle-aged persons (P<0.05), participants with higher education (P<0.01), technicians and service personnel (P<0.01), and egalitarian (P<0.01). In addition, adaptation score was positively related to heat wave related knowledge (P<0.01), and heat wave related knowledge had an interactive effect with world view on adaptation score (P<0.01). Conclusion The adaptation level to heat wave was at moderate level in the residents of Guangdong Province, and the relative factors of adaptation included age, education, occupation, world view, and heat wave related knowledge. Moreover, the relationships between the heat wave related knowledge and adaptation could be moderated by world view.