This study attempts to identify the major characteristics of two different groups of institutional leaders in China's leading universities. The study begins with a review of relevant literature and theory. Then, there is a brief introduction to the selection of party secretaries, deputy secretaries, presidents and vice presidents in leading universities. Thirdly, the study uses data analysis to discuss key aspects of the personal attributes and career patterns of institutional leaders in the 211 Project universities, 985 Project universities, and non-985 Project leading universities. The study demonstrated that "elite dualism" theory can be successfully applied to the analysis of and discussion of the personal attributes of institutional leaders in China's leading universities. The study indicates that central authorities take great account of educational credentials and professional expertise, as well as political loyalty, when they recruit and appoint both party leaders and administrative leaders in Chinese leading universities. In the 985 universities, the emphasis on academic and professional background, for both party and administrative leaders, is particularly evident and considerable. However, it seems that different criteria are utilized in selecting and appointing party leaders and administrative leaders, derived from differences in their roles and responsibilities.