When discussing the development of BIM in China, it can be summarized in eight words: rapid growth but challenging adoption. Why do I say this? Consider this: BIM technology has only been introduced in China for about 10 years. However, most of its development has occurred within the last 3 to 5 years, and at a very fast pace. Because there was little time to lay a solid foundation, many issues have arisen during its popularization.
1. Lack of Comprehensive National Standards
As the saying goes, without rules, there can be no order—and the same holds true for BIM. The release of China’s national BIM standards has been repeatedly delayed, likely due to the unique conditions of the country’s construction industry. In the meantime, some local standards have been introduced, such as the Beijing Civil Building Information Modeling Standard. However, these local standards tend to be too general and official, lacking detailed guidance.
In an industry that heavily relies on standards and precise information, broad guidelines fail to address fundamental issues. Instead of merely stating which projects BIM can be applied to, practical guidance should be provided—such as specifying what types of materials to use or the appropriate diameters when designing steel structures. (Note: We hope that Shanghai’s standards will bring meaningful change.)
2. Limited Availability of Localized BIM Software
Currently, most BIM software used in China is developed by foreign companies like Autodesk, Bentley, and TuSoft. The domestic market lacks sufficient localized BIM solutions. Chinese software developers often build their products based on foreign software platforms or add plugins tailored to local needs. While this partially addresses localization, it does not eliminate the reliance on foreign software purchases.
There is a strong hope that domestic developers will increase their independent R&D efforts. At the same time, government support is critical to boost software development within China.
3. Insufficient Education and Training
There is a common misconception in China that BIM can be easily mastered through brief training sessions. In reality, this reflects a lack of comprehensive education and training. BIM is not just a technology—it represents a transformative approach to the construction industry’s processes.
BIM applies to the entire lifecycle of construction projects and can integrate with other technologies such as cloud computing, the Internet of Things, and GIS to unlock greater potential. Achieving practical results requires more than simple training; it demands a shift in mindset and learning from hands-on experience, all supported by systematic and professional education programs.
In summary, although BIM has experienced rapid growth in China, many challenges remain. Often, BIM is adopted without thorough research or verification, reflecting a desire for quick success and immediate benefits. It is unrealistic to expect that standards and models developed over 20 to 30 years abroad can be fully established in just three to five years in China.
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