Abstract: The formation of the concept of modern aesthetic education in China is related to the traditional thought of rite and music, and it also absorbs categories of Kant's philosophy. In the modern history of education in China, the transition from the emphasis on "Three education" (moral, intellectual and physical education) to the promotion of "four education" (moral, intellectual, physical and aesthetic education) is a process of the recognition of the value of aesthetic education. During the period of the Republic of China, aesthetics and aesthetic education were highly advocated and promoted to the highest position, whose credit goes in large part to Wang Guowei and Cai Yuanpei's research and advocacy. Wang Guowei's early translation and introduction of Western Pedagogical works were greatly influenced by Schiller and Herbart, which played an important role in the formation of his aesthetic education thought. Cai Yuanpei's education at University of Leipzig has a profound influence on his aesthetic education thought. In the reform of the educational system in the earlier Republic of China, aesthetic education gradually established its important status. But later on, the status of aesthetic education declined with the change of dominant social educational concepts.

Key words: aesthetics, aesthetic education, autonomy, aesthetic education as substitute for religion