By analyzing national survey data conducted in 2012, this research reveals the present situation of the public’s PR perception. Data suggest that in the eyes of the public, PR as a professional communication industry, mostly needed by the state and the government, helps to gain success of the state or organization. Having positive impacts on the journalism, PR is also believed by the public to have some certain degree of moral standards. Our ?ndings show a tremendous transition of public’s PR perception, from negative to positive. The authors suggest that the following three reasons account for this change. Firstly, signi?cant increase of the needs and practice of PR have promoted its social visibility. Secondly, professional appeal and social responsibility advocated by practitioners have helped to improve PR image. Finally, development of PR researches and higher education have produced positive impacts.