Mental illness is a neglected but increasingly recognized health challenge in China. The aim of this three-year proposal is to promote evidence-based mental health policy development through a systematic study of the existing mental health system and to formulate approaches to meeting the mental health demands of China’s population. The project will profile the major characteristics of mental health service in China, the distribution of mental health institutions, the investments in mental health services in the past five years, and the source, distribution, and quality of mental health personnel working in the healthcare system. These data will help plan strategic approaches for mental health development in China. The work will be guided by an expert panel that will develop the study design, coordinate the investigation, and consider strategies for policy development. Expected outcomes of this project include identification of major problems and challenges of the current mental health system, and priorities and strategies for mental health development in China. The principal investigator is Xiao Shuiyuan.