Abstract Background Studies on osteoporosis awareness among the general population in China are still limited. We examined the level of osteoporosis awareness among residents in China, determined the risk factors associated with a lower level of osteoporosis awareness, and assessed the sources of their knowledge about osteoporosis. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study among 368 general residents aged 30 years or older from 19 provinces during January–March 2018 in China. All participants were identified and interviewed face-to-face by medical students in Jilin University using a structured questionnaire. Osteoporosis awareness scores (percent of the correct answer) were determined across several domains, including definition, diagnosis, risk factors, and prevention of osteoporosis. We used multiple linear regression models to test the relationship between risk factors and overall awareness scores. Results The mean age of included participants was 52.9 ± 10.2 years, and 53% of them were male. Osteoporosis awareness score for definition was 77.7%, diagnosis 49.6%, risk factors 49.2%, treatment 60.5%, and prevention 69.9%. The overall awareness score was 67.8%. Lower family income and education level were significantly associated with lower overall awareness score (all p < 0.05). Television or radio health program was reported to be their main source of knowledge about osteoporosis. Conclusion The awareness level for osteoporosis in our study is moderate; lower family income and education level were risk factors for lower awareness. Television or radio health programs had the greatest contribution to osteoporosis awareness.