Background Methods Although nasal congestion is among the most common symptoms in subjects suffering from nasal diseases, relatively few data on normal airflow resistance are available for reference, especially in healthy Chinese subjects. The aim of present study was therefore to objectively measure the normal airflow resistance by rhinomanometry, and calculate mean and standard reference intervals in a cohort of healthy Chinese subjects. A total of 1084 participants were recruited in Huairou region in Beijing, China from November to December 2011. All participants were required to complete 2 questionnaires and undergo nasal examination and objective assessment of nasal resistance by rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry. Results Conclusion A total of 704 adults completed both questionnaires and nasal examinations; with 505 (71.73%) subjects considered "healthy" based on negative medical history, absence of nasal symptoms, and normal findings by nasal examination. The mean total nasal resistance in the congested nose was 0.168 Pa/cm(3)/sec (95% CI, 0.068 to 0.268 Pa/cm(3)/sec) at 75 Pa pressure and 0.243 Pa/cm(3)/sec (95% CI, 0.112 to 0.374 Pa/cm(3)/sec) at 150 Pa pressure. The mean total nasal resistance in males was significantly lower compared to females at 75 Pa and 150 Pa (p < 0.001). The mean unilateral nasal resistance was 0.357 Pa/cm(3)/sec (95% CI, 0.034 to 0.680 Pa/cm(3)/sec) at 75 Pa and 0.511 Pa/cm(3)/sec (95% CI, 0.086 to 0.936 Pa/cm(3)/sec) at 150 Pa, with no significant difference between males and females. Application of a vasoconstrictor decreased both total and unilateral nasal resistance, which was significant at 75 Pa. These reference values maybe useful for the Chinese clinicians in evaluating the nasal function and in choosing and assessing efficacy of therapy for nasal congestion in Chinese patients.