AIM: To estimate the incidence of cilioretinal arteries among Han population of north China. METHODS: A cross-sectional sample of subjects aged from 20 years old to 80 years old were selected using a cluster sampling technique from Shenyang of Liaoning Province for Diabetic Eye Disease Study. Eligible subjects were recruited in the Community Health Center which took the stereo fundus photography using 45°Non-Mydriatic Fundus Camera. Data were analyzed by SPSS 14.0. RESULTS: The incidence of cilioretinal arteries in 5000 eyes of 2500 subjects was determined. One, two or more cilioretinal arteries were present in 876 of all subjects and in 923 of all the eyes. Difference of presence, number and distribution of cilioretinal arteries was observed. During the subjects, the arteries occurred bilaterally in 6.9% and contributed to some portion of the temporal circulation in 78.3%, nasal circulation 14.8%, respectively. Statistical analysis indicated that there was no significant difference in incidence between men and women, left and right eyes (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: 35.0% persons have the cilioretinal arteries in Han population of north China. Men and women have an equal distribution of cilioretinal arteries.