The choice of governance model plays a key role for the effective management and conservation of protected areas (PAs). An appropriate governance model is a vital element for maximizing the holistic ecological, social, economic, and cultural benefits of PAs. Inclusive governance has unique advantages for establishing a national park system based on shared values with benefits accruing to all of society, promoting social equity with accommodation of the particular needs and interests of the marginalized groups. The optimization and innovation of the PA governance model has potentially broad application and development space. This study systematically summarizes, compares, and evaluates global PA governance models focusing on the theoretical origins and practical early applications of the inclusive governance; paying attention to perspective of marginality and equity and the consequent necessity and feasibility of mainstreaming appropriate inclusive governance in China's national park system to suitably address these challenges; and finally offering concrete suggestions for how best to position inclusive governance in China's national parks. Characterized by pluralism of governance subjects, cooperation among subjects, promotion of social equity, and accommodation of the free development of all social members, especially by ensuring the interests of marginalized groups, the inclusive governance can become a new idea and choice for the coordination, protection, and local development of China's national parks.