OBJECTIVES: The China public health insurance system now covers 95% of the population due to efforts to establish universal coverage under three primary government programs (Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance, Urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance, and New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme).  Data from these insurance programs are combined to create the China Health Insurance Association (CHIRA) database; the only national claims database in China.  Use of these data allow research to examine patients, settings, patterns and outcomes that may differ from that of RCTs; advancing China’s population-based research and enhancing the opportunity to apply real world evidence (RWE) in local decision making.  The use of claims data is relatively uncommon in China. This work explores the current and potential use of local claims data as a source of information for RWE in China. METHODS: The experience of the use of the China Health Insurance Association (CHIRA) data is explored. The advantages and limitations of the CHIRA data are described. RESULTS: Although there have been abstract disclosures in scientific conferences, a search in PubMed  (January 8, 2014) found no manuscripts published that presented analyses using CHIRA data. It uses ICD-10 codes and collects cross-sectional data annually from inpatient claims records from sample cities. Advantages include the availability of demographics, institution, diagnoses, medications, service use, hospital stay, insurance type and service cost information for a large, diverse local population.  Limitations include the lack of longitudinal patient records, incomplete data, the lack of outpatient data and standardized billing codes, and limited access for research purposes. CONCLUSIONS: At present claims data in China are relatively difficult to access and to use. However the use of claims data for health services research is expected to increase in line with planned enhancements to data availability and quality, and the increasing needs for RWE by decision makers.