For exploring the spatial distribution characteristics of heavy metals in the surface soil around a coal-fired power plant in Shaoguan City, South China, the total amount of seven heavy metals (Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Cr and As) in the surface soil of 20 farmlands surrounding the power plant was measured. The spatial distribution was analyzed. The ecological risk of heavy metals in the surrounding soil was evaluated and its sources were identified. The results showed that the average contents of heavy metals Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Cr and As in the soil around the coal-fired power plant were 17.79, 19.59, 159.08, 3.14, 111.01, 96.61 mg/kg and 21.48 mg/kg, respectively. Pollution of Cd and Pb were serious. The distribution of Zn, Cd, Pb and Cr was closely related to the prevailing wind direction. The comprehensive pollution index showed that Cd, Pb and Zn were in heavy pollution. The potential ecological risk index indicated Cd was in a high potential ecological risk level. The ground accumulation index implied that Ni and Cu were in a non-pollution state, and Cd was in high pollution. Multivariate statistical analysis represented Zn, Cd, Pb and Cr were obviously affected by the coal-fired power plant. The sources of Cu and As were not only affected by the coal-fired power plant, but also closely related to agricultural irrigation water in the region. The distribution of Ni was uniform. It was obviously affected by the natural source.