The paper examines ideological currents which appeared in China during the reforms. The emphasis is put on the differences from official ideology basing on new publications of Chinese social scientists. It is mentioned that the representatives of the “new left” contributed to criticism of the neoliberal model of reforms, they warned about the threats of globalization and analyzed social contradictions in the period of changes. Excessive criticism of negative consequences of market transformations prevented from fusion with party ideology. Widely spread on Chinese Internet populism grew against the backstage of aggravation of social contradictions although it lacks theoretical depth and consistency. The paper analyses “historical nihilism” which is seen as an attempt to “undo the socialist system” under the pretext of “rethinking history”. Ideas of “universal values” are criticized as a tool of de-ideologization. A constructive alternative to that are “common values” different from the ideals of the Western political system. With regard to the ideas of “civil society”, fears are associated with its neoliberal aspirations and inclinations toward individualism, pluralism and selfishness. Chinese scientific publications criticize the supporters of “constitutional democracy” who call for the reform of the political system according to the Western model in order to overcome corruption. A new ideological current was consumerism which had a serious impact on traditional ideas about consumption. The authorities seek to develop the economy by expanding domestic consumption, but the researchers warn that consumerism undermines the official ideology and national spirit of the Chinese people. It is concluded that strengthening of ideological propaganda brought to marginalization of “neoliberal” currents like constitutionalism and “universal values”. The struggle against “historical nihilism” increased significantly in order to protect historical legitimacy of the regime of the Communist Party of China.