Qualitative portfolio selection approach is a suitable technique for obtaining an optimal portfolio when quantitative data are unavailable and traditional portfolio models are ineffective. However, few studies focus on this issue. This study addresses the lack of research by defining the score‐hesitation trade‐off rule and introducing the intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS), based on which an intuitionistic fuzzy portfolio selection (IFPS) model is proposed. The IFS is introduced because of its comprehensive consideration of preference and nonpreference, and is used to represent qualitatively evaluated information from investors and experts. Furthermore, an intuitionistic fuzzy investment scenario is established and a trisection approach is designed to distinguish three types of risk investors, based on which three corresponding IFPS models are constructed. After this, a portfolio selection process under the intuitionistic fuzzy environment is provided, and a simple example is given to show the application of the process. In addition, the investment opportunities and efficient frontier of the IFPS model are investigated to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed portfolio selection model. Finally, an example of calculating optimal investment ratios and selecting an optimal portfolio for four newly listed stocks in China is provided to demonstrate the feasibility and practicability of the proposed approaches.