Intelligent manufacturing is the focus for building China into a manufacturing power. Intelligent manufacturing is a general concept under continuous development. In this paper, the intension of intelligent manufacturing is put forward. Intelligent manufacturing is categorized into three basic paradigms: digital manufacturing, smart manufacturing, and new-generation intelligent manufacturing. It is proposed that China should push forward the intelligent transformation of its manufacturing industry by adopting a technology roadmap of “parallel promotion and integrated development”. The strategic objectives, strategic guidelines, and development paths for the future development of intelligent manufacturing in China are put forward. Then some preliminary suggestions, in terms of mechanism guarantee and policies in China, including strengthening and implementing the intelligent manufacturing promotion mechanism, increasing fiscal and financial support, and deepening international exchanges and cooperation are proposed.