[Objective] To investigate the health risk perception of heat wave and its related factors in community residents from a district of Nanjing.[Methods] A total of 654 adult residents from two randomly selected communities in Nanjing were interviewed face to face. Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression model were employed to analyze factors related to the perception of heat wave health risks.[Results] There were 642 valid questionnaires returned (98.9%). The perception of high temperature was (34.62.66)℃ in the residents. The effect of heat wave on life was graded from general to severe. The residents awareness of heat wave related knowledge was low, while their adaptation desire was high. There was a positive correlation among dimensions of perception, risk assessment, and knowledge level. The results of logistic regression showed lower perception levels among senior residents without heatstroke experience (OR=1.2*10~(-7)) and patients of chronic diseases with more walk (OR=2.763) or without heatstroke experience (OR=7.9*10~(-7)).[Conclusion] A low level of risk perception of heat wave is found among the residents in Nanjing. Personal health condition and living habits are the important factors influencing heat wave perception.