Abstract: Dali, as one of the outstanding leaders in the development of the imperial examination in Yunnan in Ming Dynasty, had
strong representation and research ability in terms of school construction, population number, and humanistic accomplishment. In
addition to the inseparable relationship between the development of education and the Ming government policy support, the early
cultural accumulation, immigrants in Ming Dynasty, and the promotion of local squires also play an indispensable role.

Key words: Ming Dynasty, Dali, imperial examination, educational situation