Objective To explore the status quo and predictors of post-discharge physical activity in patients with coronary heart disease, and to provide information for promoting patient′s recovery. Methods Totally 293 patients with coronary heart disease were followed up for 12 months and their physical activity and cardiac function were measured. The brief Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 item (GAD-7) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were utilized to determine their depression, anxiety and sleep quality. Results Two hundred and seventy-five patients completed the study, of whom 104 had sufficient physical activity, and 171 did not achieve physical activity target. The 6-min walk distance and METs in patients who had sufficient physical activity were significantly higher than those who had insufficient physical activity (P<0.01 for both). Anxiety, depression, sleep quality, occupation and education level were predictors of sufficient physical activity (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion Sufficient physical activity can effectively enhance cardiac function of patients with coronary heart disease after discharge, however, insufficient physical activity remains an important issue in patients and is affected by several factors. Targeted interventions should be provided to enhance compliance with rehabilitation training of patients.