Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of Japanese encephalitis (JE) in Jinhua, China from 2007 to 2012 and to provide the foundation for prevention and control of JE. Methods The data on JE was collected from the reporting system for JE, and the epidemiological characteristics of JE in Jinhua during 2007-2012 were analyzed by descriptive epidemiology. Results From 2007 to 2012, a total of 33 cases of JE were reported in Jinhua, and 1 case was fatal; the average incidence rate was 0.11/100 000. The cases were mainly distributed in cities of Yiwu, Dongyang and Yongkang. Thirty-two (96.97%) of all cases were aged under 15 years. The migrant population from other provinces accounted for 72.73% of all cases. The peak season was during July to August. No history of immunization was found in 84.85% of all patients. According to the vector surveillance, Culex pipiens pallens was the dominant species of mosquitoes, accounting for 63.73%. Conclusion From 2007 to 2012, the migrant children from other province, who had no history of immunization with JE, constituted a large proportion of JE cases in Jinhua. Therefore, effective JE control measures should be taken to reinforce the vaccination among migrant children and strengthen the personal protection against mosquitoes in migrant population. Meanwhile, the surveillance of mosquito vectors and reservoir hosts should be conducted.