Objective To understand the sanitary quality of public places in Liuzhou city, analyze the main factors that influencing the sanitary quality, and provide the basis for strengthening hygiene supervision and management in public places.

Methods The sampling and detection method on the quality of air and public articles in Liuzhou city was conducted according to the requirements of the Technical rules of health monitoring for public places and the Hygienic standard test method for public places. The analysis and evaluation were performed according to the Hygienic standards for public places.

Results A total of 2 554 samples were collected from public places in 2016, in which 1 837 samples were qualified, and the total qualified rate was 71.9%. There was a statistically significant difference on the qualified rate among different types of public places. The qualified rates of carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and ammonia were 100%, while the qualified rate of PM_2.5 was the lowest, only 15.3%. The difference on the qualified rate among different compounds in the air in public places was statistically significant. The difference on the qualified rate of monitored public appliances has statistical significance.

Conclusions In general, the hygienic status of public places was good in Liuzhou city, but problems still existed. The hygiene management and disinfection in public places should be strengthened.