Background: The concept of quality of life (QOL) is explained on the basis of traditional Chinese culture and contemporary social and cultural trends. Method: The importance of internationally recognized QOL domains and indicators was determined for three respondent groups: consumers, parents of the consumers, and teachers and rehabilitation professionals working with the clients. Results: Principal component analysis confirmed seven factors influencing QOL for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) in China. These seven components are conceptually equivalent to the eight domains found in the international QOL literature. Conclusion: The concept of QOL has become one of the most sensitive issues in present Chinese society and peoples' lives, and an important theoretical framework for the education and rehabilitation for people with ID in several ways: curriculum development, service delivery models, education and rehabilitation practices, and employment models.