Industrial compressed air systems use more than 9 percent of all electricity used in China. Experience in China and elsewhere has shown that these systems can be much more energy efficient when viewed as a whole system and rather than as isolated components. This paper presents a summary and analysis of several compressed air system assessments. Through these assessments, typical compressed air management practices in China are analyzed. Recommendations are made concerning immediate actions that China's enterprises can make to improve compressed air system efficiency using best available technology and management strategies.