Applications of tessellation in architectural surface design was discussed through mathematical analysis and case studies. The fundamental geometric principle was examined, then the characteristics and application methods in architectural surface design of periodic/aperiodic tessellation were analysed, and typical spatial tessellation units such as Rhombo-hexagonal dodecahedron and truncated octahedron were also explored. The results showed that three types of single regular polygon can be tessellated, and eleven types of compositional tessellations with regular polygons are possible. Random elements can be added into these patterns in architectural surface design. Aperiodic tessellation is suitable to express contemporary aesthetics of complexity, while spatial tessellation has advantages in both surface design and structural design. Based on the basic principle “doing the most with the least”, creative applications of tessellation will enhance the technological rationality and the appearance of surface design, expand architectural creation manner, as well as positively responding to the tendency of architectural design to be interdisciplinary．