Objective　To investigate the current status of anesthesia sub-specialty settings in high tertiary hospitals in China.　Methods　Sixty-five high tertiary hospitals including 61 general hospitals and 4 specialized hospitals were investigated using a specially designed questionnaire.　Results　Among all the investigated hospitals， 81% have independent intensive care unit. Pain management department are established in 79% investigated hospitals， out of which， 35% is independent from the department of anesthesiology. The department of anesthesiology in 84% investigated hospitals have established subspecialties. Eight main anesthesia subspecialties are present in over 50% investigated hospitals' anesthesia department. Among them， 42% have fixed faculty in certain subspecialties.　Conclusions　Anesthesia subspecialties are well established in high tertiary hospitals in China. However， the anesthesia subspecialty settings and the qualification of anesthesia sub-specialists varied greatly. National standards or guidelines in this area are required.