The health system in China has progressed to a new phase of development; however, it continues to face challenges such as uneven distribution of resources and insufficient coordination among service sectors. It is imperative to enhance the health system's intrinsic capacity to identify and address problems. The research and implementation of the learning health system (LHS) concept are expected to play a pivotal role in promoting evidence-based policy formulation and implementation, as well as improving preventive services and clinical care. This study offers a comprehensive overview of the conceptual characteristics and application contexts of LHS. It outlines both domestic and international advancements in refining data analysis and the evidence application cycle, and reviews progress in practical applications, including quality measurement and improvement of care. Drawing upon the features and current status of China's health system, the study discusses foundational components and implementation strategies for establishing an LHS. These strategies emphasize strengthening the research capacity of leading institutions and the application capacity of professionals; enhancing data resources from hospitals, health administration, and health insurance; developing technological platforms for data acquisition, governance, utilization, and sharing; and conducting outcomes research and implementation research. Furthermore, the study evaluates the practical outcomes of two initiatives: the use of administrative data for quality measurement of care and the integration of Internet Plus in quality improvement of care. Looking ahead, the development of LHSs can be further advanced through the application of novel technologies and expansion into new domains. Such progress is anticipated to enhance the quality and efficiency of data governance, analysis, decision-making, evidence dissemination, and feedback monitoring, as well as to strengthen policy development and implementation, as exemplified by learning-based disease surveillance.