Abstract: The dual inheritance system，whereby the only son of the family was appointed heir to his uncle as
well as his own father，was an important innovation of the traditional Chinese inheritance system in Qing
Dynasty． However，as a new inheritance system first adopted in folk practice but banned by juridical
practice，its advent，evolution and development was not limited by mere legal provision． Examining
original historical materials such as judgments and court documents，this article discusses the existing
form of dual inheritance and its precursor，the adopted inheritance system，whereby the only son of the
family was appointed heir to his uncle，in social life since Song Dynasty as well as the legal reactions to
the process of change． The article also explores the interaction among the legislation，juridical practice
and social life in Qing Dynasty through this issue．