During the rapid urbanization of the early 20th century, Western policies and forms of public housing provided a significant model for the development of modern public housing in China. In the face of severe national conditions, Chinese scholars and the Nationalist government worked together to develop public housing as a symbol of societal reform and architectural innovation. This thesis focuses on the initial period of establishing the public housing system from 1928 to 1937. It first explores the social background of public housing through historical research and literature review. It then examines primary sources such as periodicals and mass media to understand how scholars introduced the concept into China. Additionally, through case studies in architecture including plans for four different types of social housing and the planning of a new village, this thesis provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of the development of public housing during this period, demonstrating how the ideals of social reform were transformed into practical solutions for improving people's welfare.