China’s life expectancy at birth has reached approximately 77.9 years in 2023, with estimates of about 76.0 years for males and 81.3 years for females. While these figures indicate continued improvements in population longevity, life expectancy alone does not capture the quality of those added years. Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), calculated as the sum of Years of Life Lost (YLL) and Years Lived with Disability (YLD), provide a more comprehensive measure of population health by accounting for both premature mortality and non-fatal health outcomes. In China, substantial DALY burdens are associated with chronic diseases, neurological conditions, and mental health disorders, highlighting the importance of health planning that extends beyond reducing mortality. Incorporating DALYs and related measures such as Healthy Life Expectancy (HALE) supports more equitable policy development, resource allocation, and service provision, particularly for individuals living with disabilities and long-term disorders.