'The poor lose more and more while the rich keep piling up treasures ... some become more arrogant and overbearing in their conduct, and others even more miserable and pitiful until gradually the most perverse and curious customs arise, bursting forth as though from 100 springs and impossible to stop. All will congeal into an ominous vapour which will fill the space between heaven and earth with its darkness.'
Gong Zizhen, an official, was describing social conditions in his native Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, in the early 19th century. This battle between rich and poor and the dream of creating a society which balances justice and economic opportunity has since preoccupied Chinese politicians and scholars.
The Nationalist Party, which took power after the end of the Qing dynasty, contained left- and right-wing movements. The right wing won, leading to a government largely supported by landlords and big business.
When they took power, the communists went to the other extreme, nationalising land and confiscating business, before reversing policies in the 1980s.
'In Chinese history, we lacked the laws and system to safeguard private property. Whoever was the strongest could take everything for himself. As the saying goes, every stone and blade of grass belongs to the Emperor,' said Ma Jinlong, professor of economics at Wenzhou University.
Having spent their first three decades humiliating the rich and the private sector and promoting egalitarianism, the communist government is now trying to put in place a legal and administrative system to promote private enterprise.