Civic scientific literacy (CSL) is fundamental to national innovation and social progress. Over three decades, China has developed a CSL assessment framework with distinct localized and contemporary characteristics.Localization is rooted in a people-centered philosophy, employing a four-dimensional framework (scientific thought and spirit of science, scientific knowledge, scientific methods, problem-solving) aligned with national policy and integrated into governance practice.The temporal evolution, driven by industrial revolutions and social division of labor, involves a shift from knowledge to abilities, the introduction of stratified evaluation, and a forward-looking design to serve “new quality productive forces.” Looking forward, CSL assessment is evolving toward strengthening its foundational role, integrating global cultural perspectives, and innovating methodological approaches. China’s practice, shaped by the dialectical unity of Sinicization and modernization, offers insights for building a globally competitive framework for scientific culture evaluation.