Abstract: Based on literature research, this paper reviews China's strategic policies to develop her universities into world-class universities since the "211 Project", the "985 Project" and "Double First-class Constructions", comprehensively and systematically combs the connotation and characteristics of world-class universities, and summarizes the commonalities of world-class universities as masters gathering, high-quality students, high-quality talent training, outstanding scientific research achievements and outstanding contributions to the world and human society. It analyzes the four internationally recognized ranking systems of world universities. It explains the achievements of the development mode and construction path in developing China's universities into world-class ones. Based on the existing research results, the author urges that the academic circle should adhere to the combination of theoretical research and practice, enhance the "four self-confidence", implement the "four services", strive to work hard on the "Chinese characteristics", explore a construction road of "world-class university with Chinese characteristics", and provide theoretical guidance and reference for the practice of building world-class universities in China's colleges and universities.