Abstract: The rise of the governance theory provides many references for local governance in regions inhabited by ethnic groups in China.Now the research is mainly focused on theoretical foundation,governance subject,governance of grassroots community,governance model and type as well.However,the objects and fields of study are too scattered,lacking a whole and systematic view.So researchers should break through the traditional theories from the perspective of local governance in regions inhabited by ethnic groups，actively seek for new ways，summarize new experience in practice and explore new models for local governance.

Key words: local governance；regions inhabited by ethnic groups, research overview