ObjectiveTo examine the public cognition， preferences， and values regarding organ allocation， thereby enhancing the public trust in China’s organ allocation system and providing a theoretical basis for human organ allocation in China. MethodsBy drawing on foreign questionnaires and finalizing the questionnaire after two rounds of expert discussion and evaluation， a nationwide online survey was conducted to investigate the Chinese public’s cognition， attitudes， and preferences towards organ allocation. ResultsNearly half of the respondents reported that they had only heard of （45.44%） or had never heard of （46.90%） the Organ Procurement Organizations （OPOs）. Most respondents expressed limited understanding of China’s organ allocation policy （68.42%） or specific procedures （67.89%）. Only 9.65% of respondents expressed strong support for the current organ allocation policy， while 75.76% indicated that national allocation policies would influence their willingness or decision to donate organs. The public showed stronger endorsement of the principles of “prioritizing the sickest，” “first-come， first-served，” and “prioritizing those with better prognosis” for organ allocation. There were statistically significant differences in the public cognition， attitudes， and preferences for organ allocation by gender， age， education level， and occupation （all P<0.05）. ConclusionThe Chinese public’s cognition regarding organ allocation is generally low， and their willingness to donate organs is not high. The public attitude towards organ allocation policy remains unclear and is still in a “wait-and-see” state； the public prefers an ethical distribution model that balances fairness and efficiency. Increasing the public understanding of organ allocation procedures and incorporating public opinion into national organ allocation guidelines could play a significant role in enhancing public willingness to donate organs.