Abstract:Tong Chuin (1900-1983) was an influential architect in modern China. With the characteristics of large quantity, wide range, long period and continuity, his writings are valuable to research. This article summarizes the two existing approaches of work-centered and author-centered, and then proposes the methods of multi-text reading and discourse analysis under the inspiration of contemporary philosophy. Multi-text reading means the juxtaposition of Tung’s texts and others’; thus, the overlap and conflict of different meanings make Tung’s thoughts more understandable. Discourse analysis means to analyze the knowledge production process, and to concern the theoretical anticipation such as ontology, epistemology, methodology, and viewpoint of practice behind the writings. In addition, the research outline of architectural criticism, architectural history, and gardening history is proposed based on classification and staging. Through this research outline, Tung’s architectural thoughts can be deeply understood, the group portraits of modern architects’ thoughts are also revealed.