Objectives: Using Delphi method to build a scientific and operable performance system for public hospitals. Methods: This study operates two rounds of Delphi surveys in filtering and optimizing performance indicators after reviewing worldwide hospital performance systems and create the initial questionnaire. Results: This paper builds an evaluation system composed of 3 first- degree indicators of social benefit, quality safety(QS) and efficiency as well as 13 second-degree indicators and 72 third-degree indicators. Conclusions: The performance system built in this paper focuses on the commonweal character and the inherent quality of public hospitals. Thus, this study provides the basis for developing better performance evaluating systems for public hospitals in China.