Kang Youwei and Tan Sitong both paid much attention to Buddhism and were keen on elucidating Buddhist doctrines. In general, their expositions were different, manifested in four aspects. First, Kang interpreted Buddhism from the perspective of health preservation, believing that the theme of Buddhism is health and wellness, while Tan interpreted Buddhism from the perspective of benevolence, holding that Buddhism advocates that the nature of everything is without birth and without death. Second, along the line of health and wellness, Kang developed Buddhism into a way to dispel suffering and reach happiness; while, along the line of “without birth and without death,” Tan was concerned about the world after death, highlighting the Buddhist karma. Third, Kang advocated “seeking happiness and eliminating suffering,” and argued with Buddhism that one should be happy to live, while Tan advocated non-self, urging people with Buddhism to lead a life without self. Fourth, in order to achieve the goal of staying health and living happily, Kang advocated both benevolence and wisdom; Tan advocated fearless spirit and encouraged people to save the world bravely. Their different interpretations of Buddhism were subject to their respective philosophical views, outlook on life and values, showing the diversity and rich connotation of modern Buddhism.