Objective To investigate the knowledge level and needs in Xinjiang Uygur and Han patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), compare the differences between the two ethnic groups. Methods A total of 194 Uygur and Han UC patients were investigated with the general information questionnaire, the Crohn′s and Colitis Knowledge Score (CCKNOW) questionnaire, disease related knowledge needs questionnaire, to analyze the investigate results. Results CCKNOW score of Uygur and Han UC were (6.9±3.5) points and (9.2±3.1) points respectively, and Uygur was significantly lower than that of Han (Z=-2.831, P=0.005). Knowledge accuracy of dietary (30% and 63%) and drug (45% and 44%) were higher than general information (24% and 32%) and complications (12% and 30%) . Disease related knowledge needs score of Uygur and Han UC patients were (168.2±15.6) points and (155.4±17.2) points respectively, the score of Uygur patients was significantly higher than that of Han patients (t=4.429, P=0.001).The highest disease related knowledge needs score was (4.7±1.0) points of reproductive knowledge for Uygur UC patients, for Han patients was knowledge of daily life which was (4.8 ± 0.8) points. Conclusions The disease related knowledge level of Xinjiang Uygur and Han UC patients are relatively low, especially lack of general knowledge and diet knowledge, disease related knowledge of Uygur UC patients are lower than Han patients. The needs of the disease knowledge are very high for two ethnic groups, different one has different ethnic, gender, age, education level, living environment, hospitalization times, areas of disease related knowledge needs are also different. It is necessary to choose the targeted education content and suitable education way according to individual differences for nursing staff.