Abstract: Civil society is a symbol of China′s transition from tradition to modernization.In recent years，with the establishment and development of market economy，the development of socialist democratic politics and the construction of the socialist harmonious society，the study of civil society has become a heated issue in the theoretical circle.The concept of civil society has undergone evolution through history from ancient Greek to the modern time.Modern civil society consists of structural elements as well as cultural connotation.Therefore，judging from the two above aspects，we can see that civil society is being formed in China.Different from western countries，civil society in our country is symbolized by Chinese characteristics，including government-orientation，specific system and national culture as well as immaturity.Therefore，the development of civil society in our country cannot be dependent on self-evolution.It is necessary to construct it consciously.

Key words: civil society, public sector, non-government organization, civil culture, limited government, democratic legal system