To understand the distribution characteristics of heavy metal contamination in dairy products, and to evaluate the status and the extent of heavy metal contamination.Methods The contents of Pb, total-Hg, Cd, Cr and total-As in raw milk, fermented milk, sterilized milk, infant formula and milk powder during 2012-2013 were detected. Single factor contamination index method and comprehensive contamination index method of Nemerow were used to evaluate the contamination level according to the grading standard of agriculture product quality. Results The detection rate of Pb, total-As, total-Hg, Cd and Cr were 14.0%(21/150), 24.7%(37/150), 82.0%(109/133), 26.3%(35/133)and 72.9%(43/59) in dairy products, respectively. Pb in raw milk and Cd in sterilized milk were not detected. The mean, P75 and P95 of total-Hg in raw milk were higher than the limit. The P95 of total-Hg in fermented milk and sterilized milk and Cd in milk powder were higher than the limit. The detection rate and single factor contamination index of total-Hg were the highest in raw milk, fermented milk and sterilized milk, which indicated there was severe contamination in the raw milk(PHg>1) and mild contamination in fermented milk (PHg>0.6). The detection rate of Cr was the highest in infant formula and milk powder, while single factor contamination index of Cd was the highest. The heavy metal contamination in raw milk ranked the first with P_n=0.754, reaching mild level of contamination. The heavy metal contamination in dairy products could be lined in a decreasing order of raw milk, fermented milk, sterilized milk, milk powder and infant formula.Conclusion Four kinds of dairy products were at the safe level of heavy metal contamination. Total-Hg was the dominant heavy metal contamination in liquid milk, while Cd in solid milk. Single factor contamination index and comprehensive contamination index of total-Hg in raw milk indicated that measures should be taken to prevent the contamination.