Modern Chinese architecture refers to those structures built since the mid-19th century.

Between 1840, when the Opium Wars broke out, and 1949, when the People's Republic of China was founded, Chinese architecture displayed a variety of styles mixed with eastern and western flavors. In this period, traditional Chinese structures still predominated, but many commercial buildings like theatres, restaurants, hotels and marketplaces had begun to made breakthroughs in structural patterns by enlarging the space of social activities. Many western structural styles were displayed in Chinese architecture, especially in some cities with concessions like Shanghai, Tianjin, Qingdao and Haerbin. Some modern national structures built during this period also combined new functions, techniques and shapes with the traditional national style.

After the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Chinese architecture entered a new period. Large-scale projects boosted the development of the construction industry. A large number of building projects now used new standards, scales and locations. The structures had a new look and broke through previous building limitations. This was also the period that returned to the ancient style, in part, by using large roofs with socialist structures like those for National Day Celebrations. The Guangzhou style, which mixes modern design with folk tastes, also appeared during this period. Since the 1980's, Chinese architects have become more open to new ideas and continue to work to develop various elements and styles.