Abstract: With the progress of social governance innovation, it is particularly necessary to explore the theoretical implications, practical modes and action paths of community building in the context of China. Based on Polanyi’s “Double Movement” theory, community building is a kind of reverse protection mechanism in the process of social construction. The practice of community construction in Taiwan region has experienced the dynamic transformation from community development to community building, while the community construction in mainland China has also experienced a unique historical change, and gradually absorbed the experience and concept of community building in Taiwan in the process of community governance. Based on the “Wood & Brick Bank” community building project practice experience in Tang village, Zhejiang province, the study found Tang village community governance practice and community building have internal consistency and local heterogeneity. Key characteristics for local community building should favor the features of centering around community, embedded in community life situation and paying attention to stimulating the grassroots community democratic elements.

Key words: community building, Chinese context, indigenous practice paradigm, community-based, embedded in community life