It is pointed out in this paper that the concepts of structure and generativeness, which characterize the modernity of Western linguistics, may be also found in the traditions of Chinese phonological studies. In their works on ancient phonology, for example, Dai Zhen 戴震, Huang Kan 黃侃, and Fang-kuei Li 李方桂 presumed the same ideas of structure and generativeness decades or centuries ago. Their insights, which are the most valuable legacy of Chinese phonology, not only went beyond their temporaries, but also shed light on the future development of phonological studies.