The policy of reform and opening-up in China not only resulted in the weakening of the state's strict control on society, but also pressured the government to confront the problem of the provision of social services. The government has been forced to search for other mechanisms to replace the traditional social functions performed by work units. Because of rigid regulations on the development of non-governmental organizations in China, the community has thus best served the government for the above purposes. The community residents' committee is the body that guides and undertakes community affairs. Originally a mass autonomous organization, the community residents' committee has gradually become an extension unit of township government with more administrative power delegated by the government. Based on field research in Tangxia Township in Dongguan City, this article argues that from a contextual dimension, the increasing population, and the maintenance of social security and stability all contribute to the functional diversification and administrative power of communities. From an institutional perspective, the policies of streamlining administration and empowering townships, and of industrial transition and upgrading have also had a great impact on the administrative functions of communities. These trends imply that the state's control of society has been intensified once again.