Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of dengue fever in Haizhu district of Guangzhou, China and to improve the prevention of dengue fever. Methods Serum samples were collected from the patients with suspected dengue fever reported by clinicians. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunochromatographic test (ICT) were used to detect specific IgM antibody, and the difference between the two methods was evaluated. The epidemiological characteristics of dengue fever were analyzed. Results In 2012, the patients with dengue fever in Haizhu District presented mainly with fever, skin rash, headache, and muscle, bone and joint pain, accompanied by alanine transaminase elevation (49.35%), leukocytopenia (31.17%), and thrombocytopenia (22.08%). The IgM antibody against dengue virus was detected within 2-22 days after onset; the detection rate for ELISA was 42.54%, significantly higher than that for ICT (34.81%). The peak of onset was in October. The young and middle aged people were the main affected population. Conclusion In 2012, the incidence of dengue fever in Haizhu district of Guangzhou was sporadic. Most patients have typical clinical manifestations. Timely collection of patient serum and detection of specific IgM antibody are significant for controlling the epidemic of dengue fever.