Objective To determine the expression of Notch receptors (Notch-1 & 3) and the downstream gene Hes-1 in gastric cancer and potential clinical significance. Methods Thirty gastric cancer patients enrolled in Shanghai Changzheng Hospital during 2014 to 2016 were involved in this study. Clinical-pathological parameters were collected, and expression of Notch-1 & 3 and Hes-1 were measured by immunohistochemical staining. Results Notch-1 & 3 and Hes-1 were heterogeneously expressed in the patients with different stage while patients with advanced stage of tumor experienced increased levels of Notch-1 and Hes-1 (P < 0.05). Expression of Hes- 1 was positively correlated with Notch-1 (P < 0.05). However, expression of Notch-3 was not affect by all clinical parameters except ages (P < 0.05). Conclusions Expression of Notch-1 & 3 and Hes-1 is likely to be affected in gastric cancer patients, and additional studies are necessary.