A scientific data center is an important vehicle for scientific data management and an important infrastructure for scientific data collection, management, open sharing, and long-term data preservation. A well-run national scientific data center system is an important source of scientific and technological innovation. At present, the major developed countries in the world generally regard the construction of national scientific data centers as an important means of scientific data management. Through the establishment of specialized agencies engaged in scientific data management and sharing services, the scientific data generated by public financial support can be collected, managed, and shared openly through unified channels and rules to support the formation of world-renowned scientific data centers in this field. This activity has brought remarkable benefits to the development of science and technology, economy, and society. This paper analyses the advanced experiences and practices of foreign developed countries in the construction of scientific data centers. It also studies and analyses the development status, effectiveness, and problems with the construction of scientific data centers in China with respect to those in developed countries. In view of the construction and sustainable development of national scientific data centers in China, it is proposed to further strengthen scientific data resource integration in national scientific data centers; build their capacity for scientific data management, analysis, and mining; and strengthen the structure of managers and personnel in these centers. At the same time, it is proposed to further improve the layout of the national scientific data center, to enhance the influence, and to strengthen the domestic and foreign communications and cooperation with the national scientific data center.