This study used the historical research method to explore the Chinese government's role in building world-class universities. We traced the government's role in pushing policies for: (1) accelerating academic improvement; and (2) enhancing the involvement of provincial governments in achieving universities' world-class status. The findings revealed the effectiveness of using both direct and indirect interventions on establishing universities of world-class status. Talented Chinese academics working in flagship universities overseas returned and signed tenure contracts with key Chinese universities following national strategies. However, publication requirements tended to deter academics' quality publications. Moreover, the national priority on achieving world-class status resulted in the concentration of the best Chinese students in major cities for studying and working, consequently leading to regional stratification. Graduates from elite Chinese universities also have more opportunities to earn higher incomes and better career prospects than other graduates. Future studies may adopt a similar strategy to investigate conditions in other countries.