Abstract: The laboratories in centers for disease control and prevention (CDC laboratories) represent a cornerstone of the public health system, and their capacity building directly impacts the responses to and the prevention of public health events. Amid frequent global infectious disease outbreaks, CDC laboratories play a pivotal role in pathogen identification, detection, and epidemic surveillance. This article reviewed CDC laboratories regarding their definition and connotation, capacity, current capacity-building status in China, and capacity building paradigms in other countries. Through this comprehensive review, we aimed to explore the future development direction of CDC laboratories in China and provide reference for improving the overall efficiency of China’s disease control system, enhancing the ability to respond to public health emergencies, and ensuring public health and safety.