What kind of art theory would be Xunzi’s ? In this article, I will explore and analyze how Xunzi’s art theory will fit into the typology of Kagan’s art theory. While exploring the connection and application of Kagan’s art theory to that of Xunzi, I will describe the type and features of Xunzi’s art theory in more detail. According to Kagan, art has evolved in the social division of human activity as a substitute for other forms of activity. When social groups seeking to acquire the legitimacy of government attempt to make their intended values as universal values of the whole of society to be internalized, the role of art will rise to prominence. Art can directly influence the emotional and desire structures that drive human behavior and lead to voluntary social consent. In this context, art is not merely seen as an activity of contemplative pleasure. It is confirmed that in ancient Chinese theories of art, the enjoyment per se of making good use of leisure time is not the main purpose of art. This view is again evident in Xunzi’s art theory. Xunzi is fully aware of the influence of art on human behavior and so emphasizes the morally edifying function of musical art. Art is a reinterpretation of the real beings, not drawn on concepts, but on intuition, and not through a medium of thought, but through an emotional form. If you apply the art of music to guide people's natural emotions naturally, human emotions are transformed into social emotions that correspond to the norms of reason and social morality. Explaining the function of art theory as disciplines of kingship and expression and healing of emotions is a characteristic feature of Xunzi’s art theory. Some Chinese researchers on Xunzi have produced this line of interpretation. This feature of Xunzi’s art theory is later inherited and accepted by the record of ritual, and the record of music. Xunzi’s art theory is the first sophisticated of early Confucian art theories, giving form and specificity to the typical role of art in Confucianism. Also, Xunzi’s art theory can be sufficiently and coherently explained within the framework of the Western theory of art, including contemporary aestheticist Kagan. That said, to take note of one caveat that applies in this article, researchers, if not all, referenced in this article, who have come up with and developed their own particular views and analyses on Xunzi’s art theory should be grouped together as Sinologists. These Sinologists’ analytical frameworks and prisms are based on Chinese concepts and terms. Yet, Xunzi’s art theory can be analyzed and dissected by using Western philosophy of art. In this article, I will demonstrate this aspect. Further, in quoting the Chinese experts’ interpretations and views on Xunzi’s art theory, I will offer the original texts where Xunzi explores and develops his own art theory. As Kagan analyzes human activity, humans’ art activity has developed into a substitute for other forms of activity as per the social division of labor. The function of art is also highlighted when a social group seeking legitimacy for purposes of governing tries to internalize the value it intends as a universal value for the entire society. Art can induce voluntary social consent by directly influencing the structure of emotions and desires that motivate human behavior. In this context, art is no longer regarded simply as an object of contemplative pleasure. In ancient China, there are examples where the pleasure of using leisure itself was not considered the purpose of art. Confucianism, fully aware of the influence that art has on human emotions and human behavior, emphasizes the moral edifying function of the arts of music. If musical arts are applied to accurately guide people's natural emotions and conform to social ethical and moral norms, human emotions are transformed into social emotions that can dovetail with reason and social demand. In Xunzi’s theory of art, the aspect of kingly learning is also emphasized, and Xunzi’s theory of art is later inherited as the record of Music in the book of Ritual.