Objective：To analyze the construct validity of performance evaluation system of clinical centers by exploratory factor analysis strategy, so as to provide evidence for optimizing the parameters of the evaluation system. Methods： Using the exploratory factor analysis method, we evaluated the construct validity of the constructed performance index system. Results： Factor analysis showed that the factor components （listed in an increasing importance order） were： discipline superiority, cultivation of talented persons, medical service, scientific research capability, and infrastructure construction, etc. （the cumulative contribution of the first 6 factors was 90.17 %）. Most of index factor loadings matched with the meaning of their corresponding factors, indicating that the construct validity of the evaluation system was consistent with the expectation of its designers. Conclusion： The constructed clinical center performance evaluation system has a reasonable factor structure