As interest in the structural integrity of 20th-century built heritage grows, bamboo-reinforced concrete (BRC) has emerged as a historically significant yet under-explored material system in East and Southeast Asia, regions where bamboo has long been used in construction. This study investigates the application of BRC in China from the early 20th century until its official discontinuation in 1957. Through a detailed literature review, the paper examines the historical context and the challenges faced in using BRC, particularly focusing on its adoption in response to material shortages. Despite efforts to improve bonding and tensile strength through pre-treatment methods, BRC’s application remained limited due to material performance constraints. A significant part of this research is the case study of Zonghe Building in Chengdu, constructed in 1956. As one of the few surviving BRC structures, the building’s hybrid structural system combines both steel and bamboo reinforcement. Investigations of original construction drawings and site visits reveal the pre-treatment techniques used for bamboo reinforcement, which have contributed to the material’s durability. After more than 60 years in service, no major signs of deterioration were observed in the remaining bamboo elements. This case underscores the importance of appropriate conservation strategies for BRC, raising critical questions about structural consolidation and material preservation in historical contexts.