This study explores the external features and content of 254 policy files promulgated by Chinese central government organs and people's organizations from 2011 to 2015. The study shows that policy is a powerful means to promote science popularization in China. The China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) takes the lead in policymaking. Science popularization policies cover a wide range of subjects, and diversified tools have been adopted to support policy implementation. Some problems remain and need to be tackled, such as the unbalanced distribution of policymakers, poor adaptability of policy to development and insufficient dissemination. On the basis of our analysis, we propose suggestions for future science popularization policymaking, including enhancing the awareness of policymakers, strengthening coordination and cooperation, meeting the needs of the times, and enriching channels of communication.