Abstract: In the context of social transformation in China and the more dramatic changes in culture and livelihood in ethnic minority areas, education for ethnic minority faces severer challenges. Lijiang is a typical ethnic minority area transforming from a traditional agricultural society to a society of integrating agriculture and tourism. It is characterized by great changes in culture, livelihood and population migration. Despite its response, local schooling still needs to transform its conceptions accordingly, attach great importance to the innovation of institution and practice, and implement culturally-sensitive education.