Studying the operation mode of American think tanks can provide references for the construction of new Chinese think tanks.Meanwhile, it will also help to improve the operation mode of Chinese think tanks and play a better role in handling domestic and international affairs.Firstly, this paper uses the methods of literature research, network research, comparative analysis and case study. Secondly, this paper divides American and Chinese think tanks into four categories which include official think tank, semi-official think tank, folk think tank and affiliated think tank of University. Thirdly, this paper makes a comparative study of operation modes of Chinese and American think tanks.Finally, the paper draws the advantages of American think tanks and the deficiency of Chinese think tanks, and puts forward some suggestions for the development of Chinese think tanks in mechanism, including organization, financing, talent management and achievement extension.