This paper puts forward that the leading role of the government holds the key to science popularization in China.From the perspective of the political significance of science popularization，the social service function and the role of foreign governments in science popularization，this paper illustrates the necessity of the leading role of government in promoting science popularization，and raises questions for government-led science popularization.Take Hunan as an example，this paper summarizes major methods and experience in science popularization led by Hunan government，and proposes relevant suggestions.