CMES was initiated by seven outstanding mechanical engineers including Zhuang Qianding and Liu Xianzhou in 1935, and its official establishment was announced on May 21, 1936 in Hangzhou. In the same year, the official journal 《Mechanical Engineering》(quarterly) started publication, and the initial issue was published in Beijing. CMES' predecessor is the Chinese Institution of Engineers founded in 1911.

The most important and valuable contribution that CMES and other engineering organizations made to the modern China is the introduction of modern science and engineering technology into China which formed up the primary basis of today's modern industry.

Since the new China was founded in 1949, a free and casual atmosphere had been created for professional organizations in China to restore their activities. In August of 1950, Liu Xianzhou, Liu Ding and Shen Hong proposed the re-establishment of CMES so as to fulfill the demands of the mechanical engineers in China. On September 15-17, 1951, the 1st CMES National Congress of Representatives of Members was held in Beijing. 69 delegates attended the congress representing about 4,000 members.

During the period of 1951 - 1965, CMES had organized thousands of conferences, meetings, seminars and training courses, and formed up its network throughout the country. A good reputation was won not only on the national platform but also at the international forums. CMES was authorized by the Chinese Government to join in some international academic organizations, such as the International Institute of Welding, on behalf of the country.

In 1953, the publication of 《Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering》gave into birth.

The "Culture Revolution" stopped almost all activities of professional organizations for ten years in China. CMES only maintained its international activities.

Since September of 1978, CMES' activities had entered into a new era full of energy and vitality. Thousands and thousands of engineers actively participated in CMES activities, and CMES has been more deeply involved in the scientific and economic construction than ever. Now, CMES becomes one of the most authoritative and influential professional organizations in China.