The true essence of China is rooted in its villages. The traditional village culture of South China, as elsewhere in the country, is a microcosm of the greater society and philosophy of China, both ancient and modern. This book focuses particularly on Hong Kong and Shenzhen, originally part of the same county in Guangdong province, which share a rich heritage of diverse influences - a mix of doctrines and varied beliefs, interwoven with regional social and economicpractices operating through a well-ordered local organisation - that have helped make this region the success it is today.