Objective To investigate surgical ICU patients′ physical function status and activity level, to provide basis for early mobi-lity programs, and to facilitate rapid recovery of patients. Methods A total of 100 eligible surgical ICU patients were sampled by convenient sampling method and the activity level of patients was assessed by the Chelsea Critical Care Physical Assessment Tool （CPAx） and the Perme Intensive Care Unit Mobility Score. Results The physical function score ranging from 3 to 29 points with a mean of 14.83 and a standard deviation of 1.91, was significantly different in patients on vasoactive drugs and mechanical ventilation therapy or not （P＜0.01 for both）; the activity level scores ranging from 3 to 15 points with a mean of 8.30 and a standard deviation of 1.62, was significantly different in patients with varied ages, whether or not to use physical restraint, mechanical ventilation and whether or not to have drainage tubes （P＜0.05,P＜0.01）. Conclusion Surgical ICU patients have lower scores of physical function and activity level. Early activity-related assessment should be conducted among critically ill patients and approp-riate interventions should be implemented to improve the prognosis and quality of life of these patients.