It is tough to be selected as an Academician in China as

pointed out by this post. Actually, the candidates have to submit applications themselves to Chinese Academy of Scieneces or of Engineering for considerations of the selection process with strong recommendations of three or more referees who are already Academicians plus recommendations from either professional associations, or employers (e.g. universities, institutions), or Ministry of Government, or Provincial Governments. These candidates need approval by the selection committees appointed by the Academies to be legimate canadidates. Finally, the candidates need adquate votes from Academicians at the selection meeting every two years in their respective branches, i.e. Maths & Physics, Chemistry, Biology & Medicine, to be elected as formal Academicians. Just name few in the Chinese Academy of Sceiences. 

Agree with view that the Academicians' academic reputations differ significantly in terms of how to measure it. In general, they are pretty good given a number of objective criteria is considered (e.g., winning national awards, publications, citations, economic significance, etc.). However, some of them may not be as good as  normal professors in a university in the States, or UK. Therefore, it raises a big question that 'Do Chinese Scientific Community need a Academician System?' or 'Is there other more fair selection processes to solicit Academicians?'   

However, why so many scientists in China want to become Academicains who would have much higher superior status than who are not Academicians are concerned by people, even though it is really difficult to judge who are better. Obviously, Academicians are well treated by the governments of all levels, who enjoy tons of benefits including considered to be equivalent to Deputy Minister of Central Government (or Deputy Governer of provincial governments), easily get fundings, much higher salaries.