A vegetable production base in the periurban region of Nanjing was chosen for assessment of soil pollution by hazardous metals, totally 23 topsoil samples were collected and analyzed for heavy metal contents. The data obtained indicated that the contents of Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Cd, and As in the soils were lower than their regional background values. However, Hg content in the studied soils greatly exceeded its background value, demonstrating significant soil pollution. It was thought that Hg pollution resulted from intensive application of Hg-containing agrochemicals during long-term vegetable planting in this area.