Aim The importance of establishing reliable reference intervals for local populations cannot be overemphasised. The reference intervals of analytes obtained from literature and manufacturers may not apply to our serving population due to differences in subject ethnicity and assay principle. The objective of this study was to set up reference intervals of common serum analytes for local Hong Kong Chinese. Methods Healthy local Chinese blood donors were recruited and blood specimens were obtained after questionnaire screening and consent. Samples were processed and analysed by Beckman Coulter UniCel Chemistry Analyzers. Reference limits were subsequently defined by statistical methods. Results Data from 803 subjects were analysed. The reference intervals of 21 analytes were generally similar to those provided by the assay manufacturer. However, we found higher upper reference limits for creatine kinase and lower potassium reference limits in our group, which might be due to genuine ethnic difference, lifestyle and blood collection procedure variations. Conclusion Reference intervals of common serum analytes have been set up for the local Chinese population. Some of them are not in accordance with those documented in the literature or Manufacturer’s Insert. Clinicians can make use of our results for quality patient care and management in our population.