This Paper discusses the difference of soft ground excavation methodologies used in China Mainland and Taiwan. A construction site in Shanghai was taken as an example. Based on the subsoil properties and basement design, 7 excavation proposals were received for analysis. It indicates the retaining methods in proposals from China are mainly gravity type” contiguous pile wall augmented with ground improvement. Bracing system appears to be less important. However, in proposals from Taiwan, diaphragm wall or PIP wall are considered as a beam system” supported by internal bracings. This analysis allows predictions of wall movement and ground settlements to be made. This Paper compares the various proposals and finally make suggestions from the Author's point of view.