[Purpose/Significance] Examining the client needs can help university think tanks to provide knowledge service targetedly and promote the innovative development. [Method/Process] Firstly, we construct a research framework describing the clients" requirements for university think tanks’ knowledge service through literature review. According to this framework, we analyze the characteristics of clients" requirements through questionnaires and build a analysis framework for Chinese clients" requirements. Based on the analysis framework and results, we propose the development path for university think tanks’ knowledge service from the perspective of clients" requirements. [Result/Conclusion] According to the research results, the development path of Chinese university think tanks’ knowledge service is: establishing a comprehensive talent pool to provide more forward-looking policy research service; providing convenient and intimate consulting services through the new media platform; gathering well-known experts to expand the influence of university think tanks.