In 2017, the Ministry of Education launched a pilot reform granting a select group of “Double First-Class” universities the authority for degree awarding self-accreditation. This policy aims to stimulate institutional vitality, optimize disciplinary structures, and promote the intensive development of higher education. Effectively exercising this new autonomy by establishing robust accreditation standards and internal governance presents a critical challenge for these universities. This paper presents a case study of Peking University's pioneering practices in self-accreditation. The study further explores key questions central to the reform's success, including how to utilize the dual regulatory function of self-accreditation, leverage the pivotal role of strategic scientists in planning, ensure sufficient investment and quality control for new programs, and implement classified evaluation systems. The findings offer valuable insights for other “Double First-Class” universities navigating discipline construction and innovative talent cultivation in this new policy environment.