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Background As population aging progresses, the prevalence of multimorbidity and polypharmacy is increasing in older adults, which may increase the risk of potentially inappropriate medication, causing adverse health outcomes. Objective To systematically assess the prevalence and associated factors of potentially inappropriate medication in community-dwelling Chinese older adults, in order to provide a reference for developing relevant intervention strategies. Methods In June 2022, we searched databases of CNKI, CQVIP, Wanfang Data, SinoMed, PubMed, EmBase, and Web of Science from inception to June 2022 for studies on potentially inappropriate medication in community-dwelling older adults in China. Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data and assessed the quality of included studies according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality methodology checklist. Meta-analysis was conducted using Stata 12.0. Results A total of 24 studies were included, including two with high quality and 22 with moderate quality. Meta-analysis showed that the pooled prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication was 34.8%〔95%CI (31.3%, 38.3%) 〕in community-dwelling older adults in China. Pooled estimates showed 75 years or above〔OR (95%CI) =1.261 (1.074, 1.481) 〕, five or more comorbidities〔OR (95%CI) =3.287 (1.405, 7.691) 〕, and taking five or more medications〔OR (95%CI) =1.800 (1.305, 2.481) 〕or taking 10 or more medications〔OR (95%CI) =4.380 (2.612, 7.347) 〕were associated factors of potentially inappropriate medication. Conclusion Potentially inappropriate medication is common in community-dwelling older adults in China, whose risk is associated with older age, multimorbidity and polypharmacy. Prevention and management of potentially inappropriate medication should be paid attention to individuals with the above characteristics.