Abstract: In the late Ming “shed people” ( pengmin) from neighboring areas began to migrate to Huizhou to exploit its rich natural resources and engage in various economic activities. These activities, however, harmed the interests of local society and the government, causing severe social problems. In view of these problems, the local powers and Qing government officials took different measures.Thus we should reexamine the “shed people” and the state’s ability to control them in the early 19th century.