In China, health work guidelines serve as the guiding ideology for the development of health undertakings, possessing a comprehensive and overarching nature. They represent the fundamental guidelines for the Communist Party of China and the Central People’s Government in leading health work. The Healthy China Initiative is a key task under China’s health work guidelines during specific periods, aiming to promote public health and comprehensive development. Understanding and mastering the basic content of health work guidelines and the Healthy China Initiative, as well as the fundamental principles of formulating health work guidelines and health development strategies, are of paramount importance for guiding the reform and development of the health system.