The rapid progress in surgery in China has been closely related to government investment in public health care, construction of medical talents team, and basic and clinical research. The achievements of bench studies promote the development of clinical surgery. Translational medicine (bench-bedside-bench) has gained much attention in the medical community. The driving force promoting long-term development of surgery in China includes collaboration of basic scientists and surgeons, cultivation of surgeons with aptitude in scientific research, initiation of clinical research and popularization of multidisciplinary team.