The developmental welfare theory focuses on the investment and productive function of the social expenditure, with integral development of social and economic developments. As far back as in Song dynasty, comprehensive investment countermeasures were used in disaster relief in China. These practices were institutionalized in the Qing dynasty and became widespread during the Republic of China period. Since the establishment of Peoples’ Republic of China, approaches based on the developmental welfare became the major measure for comprehensive poverty alleviation, and was ultimately manifested in practices of welfare policy both for maintenance and development. Developmental welfare theory and practice were strongly influenced by multiple factors in China, including extensive experience in disaster relief, traditional people-based thought, and the productive welfare orientation of traditional Confucian culture in East Asia.