Levels, composition profiles and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analyzed in 55 surface soil samples collected from Shanghai urban districts. The total concentrations of 22 PAHs (SigmaPAHs) ranged from 442 to 19,700 microgkg(-1), with a mean of 3780 microgkg(-1), and the sum of 16 priority PAHs (Sigma16PAHs) varied from 347 to 17,900 microgkg(-1), with a mean of 3290 microgkg(-1), and the seven possible carcinogenic PAHs (Sigma7CarPAHs) accounted for 36-58% of Sigma16PAHs. Among different functional areas, the higher level of PAHs was found in the roadside, followed by greenbelt, commercial district, park, and residential district. The composition of PAHs was characterized by the high molecular weight PAHs, among which fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo[b]fluoranthene and chrysene were most dominant components. A correlation analysis showed that there was relatively good correlation among the individual PAHs, but the contents of PAHs were poorly correlated with soil total organic carbon (TOC). A principal component analysis and PAHs isomeric ratios indicate that PAHs in Shanghai urban soil mainly originated from combustion. The toxic assessment suggested that soil PAHs exposure is medium carcinogenic at present level.