Whenever we talk about the nature of a people, things get complicated very fast. That said, my personal experience with community-vs.-individuality in Chinese

Whenever we talk about the nature of a people, things get complicated very fast. That said, my personal experience with community-vs.-individuality in Chinese culture is closer to the OP's than yours. There is incredibly strong feeling in China that the world -- and, indeed, your fellow countrymen -- are out to get you, so you'd better get them first. The tragedy of the commons is not a problem in China because the concept of a commons is itself perplexing to many Chinese. The way that Chinese citizens treat common areas such as parks (read: with great disdain) is indicative of this mindset. Put another way, the concept of "community" does exist for many Chinese people, but it usually extends only to family members and friends. If you're within this boundary then things are as warm and welcoming and community-focused as you might desire. However, the boundary is razor-sharp and does not usually extend to things such as neighborhoods or towns. And of course, there are always exceptions. A Chinese woman I know prides herself on the fact that the never screwed anyone over during her life (she puts it a little more delicately than that). Perhaps this is all growing pains. Maybe things will mellow out once people become wealthier, or feel that they are better protected from adversity and/or their fellow man. Disclaimer: much of my opinions are based on anecdotes from city life (Beijing, Shanghai), rather than rural life.