On the basis of the data froj IJVs in the mainland of China during 1993～2005, the factors influencing the ownership structure of joint ventures were studied. The correlation and regression analysis revealed that cultural distance, duration and investment scale positively influence foreign ownership; IJVs located in costal cities have higher foreign ownership; IJVs in service industry have higher foreign ownership than IJVs in manufacturing industry. Based on the data of Hofstede' cultural dimensions, the correlation analysis revealed that: culture distances under the 5 dimensions are strongly related with ownership structure.