The technical development of architectural drawing in modern China

Western architectural drawing techniques were introduced to China in the 1870s, when their importance was increasingly recognized by the Chinese. The development of architectural drawing in the nation led to the dissemination of knowledge on engineering drawing and enhanced the integration of different theories of drawing from both China and the West. Based on the translation of two western classical texts—Shi Xue (The See) and Qi Xiang Xian Zhen (The Engineer and Machinist’s Drawing Book)—this study examines the technical development of architectural drawing in modern China.