This book examines the making of contemporary Chinese architecture through the lens of the 2001 Berlin exhibition “TUMU: Young Architecture of China”, a turning point which catapulted experimental Chinese architects to international prominence. Through tracing their emergence on the world stage, the book reveals the cross-cultural exchange that forged Chinese architecture today – and the elements of Chinese identity that were lost in translation.

Focusing on architects Yung Ho Chang, Wang Shu, Ma Qingyun, Ai Weiwei, and the Nanjing University-based architects, the book follows their rise from 1990s obscurity to the sudden appreciation of their work in Berlin. Far from a vacuum, Chen carefully unfolds the forces at play in Berlin that established this phenomenon, showing how the intervention of cultural intermediaries, the promotion of institutional forces and the publication of diverse media jointly shaped the perception of Chinese architecture. Tracing the reciprocal line of influence from Germany back to their native China, the book then reappraises their work within the broader context of China's real estate development, educational reforms, and overseas influence – revealing how Chinese architecture forged abroad became a significant agent in shaping the built environment of an emerging superpower.

Through first-hand materials, interviews, archives and site observations, Chinese Architecture Abroad challenges established narratives to show how diverse forces translated and shaped Chinese architecture in a rapidly changing global context. An in-depth analysis of the potential and limitations of cross-cultural exchange, this is key reading for anyone interested in understanding the intricate dynamics of identity, media, and architecture in the contemporary world.