Objective: To investigate patients’ perceptions of day surgery, specifically their convenience; social, functional and economic values; risk perceptions; and patient satisfaction. Design: Cross-sectional questionnaire survey. Setting: West China Hospital in Chengdu City, China. Participants: All the day-surgery patients admitted to the Centre for Day Surgery in December 2011. Main outcome measures: Demographic profiles, each patient’s value and risk perceptions about day surgery, as well as overall satisfaction with day surgery. Results: Convenience value and social value were emphasised by 87% and 60% of the 153 valid respondents, respectively. Comparatively speaking, functional and economic value were respectively chosen by 50% and 43% of the respondents, while 75% worried about postoperative complications and adverse events, only 53% and 27% worried about rehabilitation knowledge and psychological risks, respectively. More than 95% of the respondents were satisfied with the clinic service and staff attitudes, hospital surgery environment, operating skills and results, but fewer (84%) were satisfied with the communication processes surrounding day surgery. Conclusion: Patients exhibited high acceptance and satisfaction regarding day surgery. The convenience experienced by patients and their families is the main perceived value of day surgery. Nevertheless, during the recovery process patients are concerned about possible adverse events, treatment of postoperative complications, and lack of information. These aspects of care delivery warrant improvement through redesign of the day surgery service.