As one of the oldest civilizations and a most populous nation, Chinese traditional society prospered on the merit of agriculture where families had been the basic unit of production and social organization. For two thousand years, succession of dynasties followed a cyclical pattern of autarky and centralized control. Indoctrination of Confucianism in the Chinese value universe fostered the pursuit for officialdom among the educated class and reverence for state power among the commoners. While the concept of democracy and science burgeoned in the early years of twentieth century, trade embargo and economic blockade imposed by western countries after the Second World War sent China back to isolation from the rest of the world. The belated occurrence of industrial revolution predisposed China to the agenesis of industry and commerce until late 1980s, which naturally led to the ill development of the market force. These elements combine to form the major etiology of an underdeveloped civil society in China.

The concept of civil society in China began to find its solid base since the introduction of institutional reform and open-door policy in late 1970s. Deregulation and privatization has created unprecedented opportunities for free decisions among and between individuals, organizations and local governments. Opening to the outside world has not only brought in foreign goods and technologies, but also lifestyle and notion of civil society. With more personal property and disposable income, the need and ability for the protection of civil rights have accelerated at grassroots level. Increasing rate of labor division and value diversity has rendered the necessity for freedom of contract and freedom of association.

Chinese government has been going through a learning curve for the function of NGOs. Under the banner of harmonious society construction, NGOs have experienced a track record of restriction, tolerance, acceptance and support when the government gradually realizes their auxiliary and even indispensable role in a harmonious society. Legislation over NGOs is getting more comprehensive, however, a large number of gaps remain for a more consistent implementation of those rules, laws and policies. On the side of NGOs, while numbers abound, a majority of them needs to improve on their organizational governance and operational skills. Overall, with time, optimism in a prospective civil society in China guided by the notion of harmony is both foreseeable and undeniable.