Objective Rapid population ageing in China is increasing the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH) among older people. The associated economic burden is increasing as well. Relevant data from China are currently insufficient. Design Secondary analysis of a cohort sample. Setting A nationally representative, cross-sectional survey-the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS)-was conducted in 2011 in mainland China. Participants The study included individuals in the community selected from CHARLS by multistage probability sampling. A total of 5888 participants aged 50 years and above were included. Outcome measures Self-reported morbid state was derived from a structured questionnaire. The weighted prevalence of LUTS/BPH was estimated and stratified by age group, marital status, education level, economic level, residential area and geographical region. Multivariable weighted logistic regression was used to examine the association of socioeconomic status with the odds of BPH. Results The weighted overall prevalence of LUTS/BPH was 10.66% (95% CI 9.36 to 12.12). Among individuals aged over 70 years, the prevalence was 14.67% (95% CI 11.80 to 18.09) and it increased with ageing (p<0.05). The prevalence of LUTS/BPH among subjects residing in urban areas was higher (13.55%, 95% CI 10.95 to 16.64) than those living in rural areas (8.38%, 95% CI 6.90 to 10.15). The prevalence of LUTS/BPH was lowest in the South-Central and South-West regions and highest in the North-West region. Conclusions We found an increasing trend of prevalence of LUTS/BPH with ageing. It varied according to marital status, socioeconomic status and geographical region.