In 2003, China began to gradually focus on Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology, drawing lessons from existing international BIM achievements. By 2008, China officially entered the initial phase of BIM technology application. Currently, BIM implementation in China can be broadly categorized into three main areas.
First, universities and research institutes primarily concentrate on BIM information management, which includes data storage, transmission, and the development of relevant data coding systems and interoperability formats. Second, large domestic design and research institutes are actively applying BIM technology to upcoming projects. Their work involves creating geometric models, performing clash detection across disciplines, and verifying elevations. Third, construction companies are the primary practical users of BIM technology. They emphasize materials management, equipment coordination, and construction sequencing through virtual rehearsals. BIM construction models enable better visualization and integration of the entire construction process, making them invaluable for construction planning and guidance.
Initially, the China Academy of Building Standards Design and Research adopted international IFC standards to define building objects. In 2010, a BIM research team at Tsinghua University developed a standard framework for building information modeling, which includes three core standards: IFC, IFD, and IDM. In May 2015, the Shenzhen Municipal Construction and Engineering Bureau released the “Implementation Outline for BIM Application in Government Public Works.” This document emphasized the strategic necessity of BIM adoption in government projects, citing national priorities, smart city development, and the bureau’s own operational needs. It also highlighted the importance of establishing BIM application standards.
In 2017, the General Office of the Hunan Provincial People’s Government issued the “Guiding Opinions on Carrying out the Application of Building Information Models,” mandating a comprehensive policy, regulatory, and standards system for BIM technology by the end of 2020. The goal was for over 90% of new construction projects to utilize BIM, with widespread adoption across design, construction, real estate development, consulting, and facility management sectors.
Later that year, in December 2017, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development published the “Construction Application Standard for Building Information Modeling,” marking the first national standard specification for BIM standardization. Effective BIM application relies heavily on professional BIM software, and over the years, China has developed a variety of high-quality platforms such as Swell, Luban, and Hongye BIM design software.
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