Objective To understand the long-term care needs of the elderly from the aged care institutions in Chongqing, and to provide reference for improving the care service level of the aged care institutions. Methods The phenomenological research method was utilized, and semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted among 12 elderly people from 3 residential care facilities, then data were analyzed using Colaizzi content analysis method. Results The long-term care needs of the elderly in the aged care institutions were summarized into four themes: physical function care, psychological and mental support, social function maintenance and environmental construction. Conclusion Under the current policy and economic condition, the long-term care needs of the elderly have their own particularities. The social public system, the residential care facilities and the caregivers should pay attention to the assessment of long-term care needs for the elderly, and provide targeted long-term care service.