Background Little is known about asthma control and perception of asthma among asthmatic patients in China. This study marked the first survey conducted on a national scale that aimed at obtaining baseline information on asthma control and patients' perception of asthma and providing a point of reference for future studies. Methods This face-to-face, questionnaire-based survey was conducted from April 2007 to March 2008 with 3 069 asthmatic patients from the respiratory outpatient clinics of 36 general hospitals located in 10 geographically dispersed cities. Results Consistent with the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines, 28.7% and 45.0% of our patients achieved control and partial control, respectively. Of the patients in the study, only 21.8% had used a peak flow meter (PFM), and 6.6% of these patients used it daily. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) plus a long-acting beta 2 agonist (LABA) and ICS were the two most common medication regimens and were used in 45.6% and 30.4% of patients, respectively. Asthma had a significant effect on the patients' life and work. A considerable number of hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and sick days were observed. Conclusion Despite improvements in asthma control and ICS and PFM compliance compared with past literature, the current level of asthma control countrywide continues to fall short of the goals set in the GINA.