Core journals are journals with high academic level and an important part of China's academic evaluation system. Mainly reflected in the measurement of the academic level of scientific research workers. For example, in a considerable number of teaching and research institutions, it is necessary to publish one or more papers in core journals to apply for senior titles, obtain the qualification for doctoral thesis defense, declare scientific research projects, and evaluate the academic level of scientific research institutions or institutions of higher learning.

There is no government department in the country to classify periodicals. The so-called periodical level is only the understanding of periodical catalogue launched by periodical industry and some social organizations. Although there is no classification in the country, the professional title evaluation department has requirements for the level of periodicals.

In the past, it was divided into first-class publications, second-class publications and third-class publications. At present, it is generally divided into "core journals and general journals", and in recent years, there are also local sub-core journals; Authority, importance, and core.

"Provincial" periodicals refer to periodicals sponsored by provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Government and their subordinate ministries, departments and bureaus, as well as journals (periodicals) sponsored by institutions of higher learning.