The developing course of national operational numerical weather prediction (NWP) systems since established in the National Meteorological Center is reviewed, mainly focusing on shortrange and mediumrange systems. The forecast level and essential features of the current systems are assessed. The major progress achieved in each stage of NWP development is outlined. Through analysis of the problems and shortage of current stage of NWP development, the near future key points of Chinese NWP development are discussed and the prospects are outlooked.