Health and social participation are the core of successful aging theories in the West. To explore the similarities and differences between contemporary Chinese elderly people"s understanding of successful aging and Western standard models, this study used convenience sampling and interview methods to conduct semi-structured interviews with 41 elderly people aged 54-89 in 2020, and coded and analyzed the interview data. It was found that elderly people in China prioritize marital happiness and filial piety towards their children as the primary criteria for successful aging, followed by economic security and physical health; Their understanding of marital happiness is mutual tolerance and support; Their understanding of filial piety in children includes both their successful careers and the daily care or financial support they provide. They generally believe that children do not care enough about their parents" mental state and psychological needs. The research results indicate that the understanding of successful aging among contemporary elderly people in China is unique. Social policies and public opinion should care about the marital life of the elderly, while encouraging children and grandchildren to communicate more with them to help them achieve successful aging.