This essay summarizes African studies in China over the 20th century. African studies in China can categorized as having four periods, namely identification “1900-1949”, support (1950-1965), understanding (1966-1977) and study (1978-present). This essay orders the historical, political and cultural studies into the region, and analyzes the historical environment and factors that have shaped the course of this research. The 20th century was fruitful for Chinese African Studies. African studies have moved from being political to academic, have become increasingly broad, improved in quality, and have more contact with practical sectors. At the same time, African studies in China still have weaknesses – a focus on urban areas, overly broad research, lack of individual county studies, absence of exchange with the outside world and limited foreign language publications. Diplomatic necessity and increasing Chinese strength will form an impetus for African studies in the future.