This study collects columnists' opinions concerning China on the New York Times (NYT) then puts them into Nvivo for cluster content analysis. Based on Goffman's framing theory, the frames that American media employed to depict China are identified. Simultaneously, relevant articles in the same period in China Daily are inquired responding to each of the themes that NYT entangles. These frames identified from both media are compared as they reflect American perceptions and self-perceptions of China respectively. Such comparison identifies areas of consistency and divergence in perceptions of China, which represent the two dimensions of its national image. The results show that there are significant divergences between China's external image as perceived by American media and its internal image prevailed among Chinese news outlets. This study puts forwards our understanding of the real image of China in the international community. The media portrayal of China's image would infiltrate other countries' policy-making process when dealing with China. By mirroring its image both internally and externally, it helps the audiences to recognize the reality of China to make appropriate judgments or to inspire China in the sense of self-improvement.