Talent projects are important channels to attract and cultivate outstanding talents. In 1990s，to address problems of talent gap and shortage of high-level talent，and to fully participate in international competition，China launched several talent projects. In “12th Five-Year Plan”，the talent projects generally developed into a comprehensive system. Led by 12 national talent projects，local governments and related departments began to set up talent projects with local characteristics. Talent projects at all levels meet various demands，focus on innovation and aim at practicality. With their pioneering influence as new models，these projects play supportive roles in fully promoting the strategy of invigorating China through talent，and constructing China into an innovative nation. During the “13th Five-Year Plan”，the talent projects will indicate new trends regarding to their distributions，goals and management measures.