The purpose of these studies were: (a) to understand the current status of the emotional intelligence and leisure participation of senior high school students in Dali City, (b) compare the differences of demographic variables in emotional intelligence and leisure participation, and (c) to explore the relationship between emotional intelligence and leisure participation. This study conducted a survey under stratified random sampling through two sets of questionnaires, ?The Emotional Intelligence Measurement? and ?The Leisure Participation Measurement?. 782 out of 855 questionnaires distributed were effective. The quantitative analysis was conducted through statistical method of descriptive statistics, t-test, one-Way ANOVA and canonical correlation analysis. The major findings were as following: 1. The level of emotional intelligence of senior high school students in Dali City was above-average. Significant difference in emotional intelligence was found between grades, mother?s educational background, and annual household income. 2. Audio-visual entertainment activities is the most popular leisure activity for students and art-hobby related activities is the second. And the least popular leisure activity was outdoor-recreation related activities. Significant differences in leisure participation were found between grades, father?s educational background, mother?s educational background, and annual household income. 3. There was a significant correlation between leisure participation (except for audio-visual entertainment activities) and emotional intelligence in terms of senior high school students in Dali City. Leisure participation has a positive effect on emotional intelligence. According to the above, proper leisure participation increases emotional intelligence. Finally, suggestions were provided for related educational organizations, school teachers, parents, and advanced researchers
