Abstract: The emergence of construction companies, tasked with construction works in prominent modern Chinese cities like Shanghai, marked a pivotal shift in the Chinese construction industry. Using Shanghai as an illustrative case, this paper delves into the evolution of modern construction companies from their traditional artisan roots, highlighting their profound impact on the city’s construction landscape. Based on this comprehensive examination, this paper tries to analyze the distinctions and continuities between the companydominated system and the artisan system. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of studying the construction industry within the context of Chinese architectural history, emphasizing its role as a crucial local force that facilitated the advent of modern architecture in China.