Five typical coals with different maturities were selected and burned in the residential stove, and then the individual particles and PM_2.5 samples from these coals burning were collected. A transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (TEM-EDS) was used to analyze physicochemical characteristics of metal-containing individual particles. The concentrations of 14metals (including eight heavy metals) in PM_2.5 were detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer. The individual particle analysis showed seven different types of metal-containing particles:mineral, K-rich, S[K]-rich, Fe-rich, Zn-rich, and Pb-rich particles, and some carbonaceous particles. Mass concentrations of 14metals and eight heavy metals accounted for 1.29%~15.54% and 0.09%~2.53% in PM_2.5, respectively. Al, Ca and Na were the dominant metals, accounting for 57%~80% of total metals. Zn and Pb were the dominant heavy metals, accounting for 54%~91% of total heavy metals. TEM observations showed that Zn and Pb mainly occurred in Zn-rich and Pb-rich particles with size<1μm, respectively. These heavy metals can be breathed into deep of human lung and pose adverse effects on human health. Therefore, in order to protect human health, we suggest that residents should use clean coal or clean energy to reduce the heavy metals emissions.