Objective  To explore the commonalities and differences of the body characteristics of different language groups in China.  Methods  The body index data of 65 343 adults (29 667 males and 35 676 females) from 8 language groups in China were measured. Principal component analysis was used to explore the characteristics of human body development in China. Results  Among the eight language groups in China, the three ethnic groups of the Altai languages have the largest body weight, large trunk circumference, high stature, long lower limbs, and long trunk. The body height, length, weight and trunk circumference of the Han ethnic group were slightly inferior to those of the Altaic ethnic group. The Tibetan-Burmese ethnic group belongs to the group with higher body height, length, weight and trunk circumference in the southern ethnic group. In contrast, the Zhuang-Dong ethnic group, the Miao-Yao ethnic group and the South Asian ethnic group in the south had smaller trunk circumference, lighter weight, shorter stature, shorter lower limbs and shorter trunk.  Conclusion  The body characteristics of the northern (or southern) language groups are relatively close, which reflects the commonality of the characteristics of the Chinese language groups. The differences in the characteristics of Chinese language groups are mainly reflected in the fact that the index values of the three language groups in the north are significantly larger than those of the four language groups in the south. Genetic factors, geographical environment factors and social development factors all affect the body characteristics of Chinese language ethnic group.