The concentrations of 7 heavy metals in soil in the nonferrous smelting area in Wulatehouqi, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region were determined. The spatial variability, potential sources, and ecological risk of heavy metals were analyzed using geostatisticals, geoaccumulation index, and potential ecological risk index. The results indicated that: 1) the concentration and distribution of 7 heavy metals in soil of this area were mainly influenced by human activities, and the effects of soil forming factors were not significant; 2) the geoaccumulation index for these metals followed the order: Cd>Zn>Pb>Cu>As> Hg>Cr, and the potential ecological risk index followed the order: Cd>Cu>Pb>As>Zn>Hg>Cr. All soil samples were significantly polluted by Cd; 3) the comprehensive ecological risk was at a relatively low level. The potential pollution sources were nonferrous metal mining and smelting, transportation, coal combustion, and irrigation with sewage.