Abstract: Ruan Ji’s aesthetic thinking can be divided into two periods, the early period is soaked with aesthetics of Confucianism, the latter is a combination of Confucianism, Taoism and Peripateticism in his old age. During the diversion of his aesthetic thinking in the later period, Ruan Ji formalized and aestheticized the natural Peripateticism, looking at individuals with a new vision, indulging in his inner emotions, being arrogant to look down upon the world, being broad-minded and uninhibited, having great impact on the aesthetic ideas of the world, and bringing a profound impact onto the Chinese culture.

Key words: Ruan Ji; aesthetic ideology; Chinese culture