The tradition of law in Imperial China -- Dynastic overview -- Charity and associational life in early imperial China -- Charity and associational life in late Imperial China -- Law, charity, and associational life during the short half-century (1911-1949) -- Revolution and its aftermath -- The roles of other organizations after the revolution and the effect of the Cultural Revolution on the party and civil society -- Emerging from chaos : the impact of the Deng Xiaoping regime on social organizations and foundations -- The Impact of the Deng Xiaoping regime on various other types of organizations and CSO funding -- Making more space : reforms from 1990 to 2010 -- Rules and regulations for other secular organizations and new roles for some -- Resource issues for CSOs -- The legal framework for religious organizations -- Evolution after reform and opening up -- 2011, the remarkable year -- Comparative developments.