Objective To explore the overall incidence of suicidal ideation among hospitalized cancer patients in China, and to provide reference for prevention and intervention. Methods We searched these electronic databases as Web of Science，Cochrane Library，PubMed，Embase，CNKI，SinoMed，WanFang Data and CQ VIP from inception to October 2020, to retrieve all available literature. Meta-analysis was performed by using R4.0.2 software. Results Fifteen studies involving 6 328 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that the prevalence of suicidal ideation of hospitalized cancer patients in China was 21.6% (95%CI 15.9%-27.3%). Subgroup analysis showed that the prevalence of suicidal ideation was higher in females，studies using multi-item suicide risk assessment tools，and studies in southern China. Conclusion Current evidence shows that the prevalence of suicidal ideation among hospitalized cancer patients is relatively high in China. General hospitals should identify suicidal ideation of hospitalized cancer patients as early as possible, and take timely prevention and intervention measures.