Objective: To investigate the quality of life and its effects on elderly people in the northern rural areas of Jiangsu, thus providing reference for policy-making and implementing. Methods: A survey with EQ-5D and self-made questionnaire was undertaken to randomly selected elderly persons in 1889 in four cities of northern rural Jiangsu. Then to analyze influence factors of the quality of life among the elderly in rural. Results: The average scores of EQ-VAS was 71.316.7. The evaluation of mobility, self-care and Anxiety/Depression of elderly persons were better. The rates of satisfaction were 75.2%, 83.3% and 78.2% respectively. The evaluation of Pain/Discomfort and usual activities was relatively poor. The rates of satisfaction were 56.2% and 72.9% respectively. The quality of life among elderly persons was influenced by age, economic income, marital status, chronic disease and living way. Conclusion: living alone or widowed elderly people in the northern rural areas of Jiangsu need more cares. The government should strengthen health management of chronic diseases, improve social welfare system in rural and provide a health and harmonious atmosphere for the aged.