Abstract: Sishu in ancient China used to be the dominant institution of elementary education. With the social transformation and modernization in China since 1840, the traditional education system faced great challenges, hence the transformation of modern education. In elementary education system, the co-existence of both traditional and modern systems resulted in the fact that it was not until the late 20th century that the modernization of Chinese education was completed. It was a long transition process, from the disappearance of Sishu to the popularization of modern schools and the establishment of modern education system. After that, Chinese education has departed from the traditional system completely and is now moving towards modernization.

Key words: Sishu, school, transformation