This study examines the patterns and interplay of college students' political orientations and socialization toward citizenship and civil society in the Chinese sociopolitical context, alongside China's move to mass higher education. Data were collected from a nationwide survey conducted in 12 Chinese universities in 2007. The analytic framework is adapted from the classic comparative studies on civic culture pioneered by Gabriel Almond and Sidney Verba. The policy implications and conclusions made by this paper suggest alternative ways for higher education institutions as civic actors to nurture active citizenship learning, to foster students as reflective and open-minded social agents, and to facilitate the growth of vibrant civil society. (Contains 8 figures and 9 tables.)