Abstract: This paper divides the Qing family into individual families,Lineal families,and clan families,and delineates the structures and functions of each type of family.The main points of the essay are:that economic,physiological,ethical,and traditional factors placed Limits on the Qing family system;the structure of the Qing family(jiating)was different from the household(hu);and that the development of the commodity economy not only strengthened regional economic ties but also exerted a significant influence on the way of life for Qing families.