Objective: To investigate the influence of different property regimes on township health center operation. Methods: By using the typical sampling method, the paper investigated the operation status of all township central and general health centers in two counties (districts) of Nantong. Results: Private operation mechanism significantly improved the economic status of township hospitals. Township hospitals managed by government better implemented essential drug system. Cost of general health center managed by government was lower than that of private hospitals. However, those general centers had a common problem of running inefficiently. Conclusion: Government-leading should be insisted and government supervision should be strengthened to assure healthy development of township health centers.