This study examined the prevalence of burnout and its association with quality of life (QOL) among psychiatric nurses in China.Ten psychiatric hospitals were included. Burnout and QOL were measured using standardized instruments. Altogether, 1449 nurses completed the assessment. The mean scores of emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP) and personal accomplishment (PA) were 11.87 (SD = 6.72), 6.98 (SD = 5.71) and 22.06 (SD = 8.67), respectively. Of the participants, 59.8% (95% CI: 57–62%) experienced burnout; with 23.3% (95% CI: 21–25%) in EE, 14.6% (95% CI: 13–16%) in DP and 45.1% (95% CI: 43–48%) in PA. Psychiatric nurses who reported burnout had lower QOL in social (F = 86.20, P < 0.001), physical (F = 170.46, P < 0.001), psychological (F = 205.63, P < 0.001), and environmental (F = 120.24, P < 0.001) domains. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that alcohol users (P = 0.04; OR = 1.29, 95%CI: 1.01–1.64 in model 1 and P = 0.03; OR = 1.32, 95%CI: 1.04–1.69 in model 2) were significantly more susceptible to burnout, while senior nurses (P = 0.007; OR = 0.70, 95%CI: 0.53–0.91) and nurses with longer work experience (P = 0.02; OR = 0.70, 95%CI: 0.53–0.91) were less likely to develop burnout. Burnout is common in psychiatric nurses in China. In light of its negative impact on health and QOL, there is an urgent need for regular screening as well as effective preventive measures and interventions to reduce burnout within this at-risk occupational group.