Abstract: By investigating cases of local government suppression of religious activities in the Qianlong reign, this paper illustrates the attitude of the gentry class towards religious practice, especially the scope of involvement of women. Taking the maintenance of ethical order as its premise, Neo- Confucianism influenced the policy on the religion activities. From Shunzhi to Qianlong period, many prohibitions were issued banning women activities in temples. This manifested the government’ s attitude towards folk religion, and also reflected the flourishing of folk religion and widespread participation of women. Confronting the elite norms of the gentry, women’ s activities took a variety of different forms.