Abstract:The Society for the Study of Chinese Architecture (Zhongguo Yingzao Xueshe) holds a key position in Chinese architectural history studies. In addition to the architecture above the ground, the Society also paid attention to underground tombs. Especially after their move to Lizhuang in 1940, the Society cooperated closely with the Academia Sinica and the National Central Museum (in Nanjing) in the archaeological excavations of important tombs. At the same time, the Society also carried out survey and mapping of nearby Song tombs. The materials obtained through fifieldwork provided the basis for the Society’s study of tomb architecture. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the former members of the Society participated again in serval underground archaeology projects. What is more, the architectural history course taught by Liang Sicheng at Peking University had a profound impact on the field of archaeology. The vivid exchange of information and experiences between the Society and the archaeological circle contributed to the accumulation of knowledge on both sides, promoting not only the development in research of architectural history, but also affecting the archaeological study of tombs in many aspects. This included: the analysis of architectural components, the use of terminology, the writing style of reports, and the representational techniques of drawings. This paper reviews the work of the pioneers in the two fields of architectural history and archaeology and reflects on today’s interdisciplinary interaction with the hope to enhance dialogue and cooperation.
