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The manuscript takes the gentry in the Ming and Qing Dynasties as the research object. By sorting out the formation of the gentry class, the essential characteristics of the gentry society, and the decline of the gentry class, it points out that the gentry is the result of the rise and continuous development of the wealthy class. The possessors of wealth acquire gentry power by expanding their knowledge, and under the protection of gentry power. However, the over-expansion of gentry power caused an imbalance in the social structure of officials, gentry and the people. Coupled with the impact of the establishment of regiment training and the abolition of imperial examinations, the gentry society eventually died out. From a historical perspective, this proves the view that the gentry society is the highest stage of the wealthy society in ancient China.