Objective To explore the etiology, pathogenesis, syndrome differentiation and treatment for dengue fever according to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine ( TCM) . Methods A retrospective case analysis was carried out in 257 dengue fever patients admitted in 2013 by Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The clinical data of pathogenic features, TCM symptoms and signs, and therapeutic regimen were collected and analyzed. Results Six commonly-seen TCM syndrome patterns for dengue fever were classified into disease involving both defensive system and Qi system, excessive heat in defensive system, summer-heat and dampness stagnating the middle-jiao or attacking the exterior, excessive heat in both Qi system and blood system, pathogenic factors lodging between diaphragm and pleura, and mixture of blood stasis and toxicity, and the corresponding prescriptions were Yinqiao Powder, Chaige Jieji Decoction, Xinjia Xiangru Decoction, Qingwen Baidu Decoction, Dayuan Decoction, Xijiao Dihuang Decoction, respectively. Conclusion The TCM syndrome patterns of dengue fever in Guangzhou area are characterized as excessive heat in Qi system, complicated with nutrient and blood system syndrome, and mostly are blended with dampness. Correspondingly, the therapeutic principles should be clearing heat and removing toxicity in Qi system with cold-cool herbs, and assisting with cooling blood to clear heat in Qi system and removing dampness.