Based on field investigation and in-depth interview,this paper analyzes the managerial roles of village cadres in rural land transfer.The result shows that as a village operator,the village cadre is the most important participant of rural land transfer.Their roles are mainly the middle-men in rural land leases,the responsible members of land shareholding economic cooperatives,and the partners of agricultural capital.The participation of village cadres in the transfer of rural land can reduce the transaction costs and push forward the effective allocation of rural land transfer.However,village cadres can be self-interested because they may be easily affected by the pressure of political power and the availability of economic benefits.Therefore,in the process of transferring rural land,the behaviors of village cadres should be regulated in order to strengthen their public identity and weaken their private property.