Objective To investigate the basic status of adult cleft lip and palate patients and the social perception of different populations towards cleft lip and palate diseases in the Chinese Mainland, and provide a scientific basis for further improving the public awareness of cleft lip and palate diseases. Methods A questionnaire survey on basic demographic information was conducted among cleft lip and palate patients who were aged 18 or above and received diagnosis and treatment in the Department of Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University between January 2022 and October 2023. Simultaneously, another questionnaire survey was conducted among cleft lip and palate specialists, genetic and prenatal counsellors, ultrasound staff, general medical staff, families of cleft lip and palate patients, and the general population, to investigate their level of knowledge regarding prenatal diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cleft lip and palate, as well as their corresponding decision-making choices. Results A total of 489 copies of questionnaire were distributed to patients with cleft lip and palate who were 18 years old or above, and 440 valid copies were collected, with an effective response rate of 90.0%. Among the 440 patients, 90.0% were aged 18-30 years, 57.7% were males, 65.7% were residing within Sichuan Province, 53.8% had an associate degree, bachelor’s degree or above, 71.6% had no fixed occupation, 75.0% had siblings, and 86.8% had a monthly family income of ≤10000 yuan. In terms of the questionnaire on social perception of cleft lip and palate among different populations, a total of 1513 copies of questionnaire were collected, among which 1437 were valid copies, with an effective response rate of 95.0%. There was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) in the understanding and perception among different populations regarding the questions “Does cleft lip and palate affect the quality of life and future development of affected children?” or “Do you think families of children with cleft lip and palate experience significant pressure?”, while there were statistically significant differences (P<0.05) in the understanding and perception of the remaining eight questions. Conclusions People with cleft lip and palate have certain difficulties in employment and need more attention and help from the society. There are differences in social perception related to cleft lip and palate among different groups of people.