A Study Of Hangzhou Charity Association In Late Qing Dynasty

The urban philanthropic tradition since the Southern Song Dynasty in Hangzhou was damaged by the two invasions from the Taiping army during1860and1861.A charity association emerged later under the active participation and management of the local officials and Hangzhou gentry and merchants. The charity association in Hangzhou mainly constituted by the Foundling Hospital, Puji Church and Tung Sin Tong, in addition to the large number of independent charitable organizations. Although they were different in nature with different functions, they contacted with each other. The scope of relief covered almost all aspects of people’s lives in Hangzhou including helping the old. the weak and the poor.The managers of the association were a group of Hangzhou gentry and merchants who might be officials and businessmen called charity gentry directors, making up the core of the association. In addition, the association funding came mainly from their business. Hangzhou gentry and merchants, and various business guilds had been very actively involved in the association since it brought them many benefits, such as prestige, status and economic benefits. Hangzhou gentry and merchants" charitable activities were roughly like today’s urban administrative but different in nature. These charitable institutions could be seen as a field where the government and the people participate in.