This article argues that the choice of cultures by ethnic education was determined by a given form of elitist ideology and a power agency. After the conversion of China's society from a planned economy to a market economy, this elitist ideology and power agency has become diversified and includes the elitist ideology of statism. Empowerment has resulted in the emergence of the elitist ideologies of localism and individualism and their participation in the games of cultural selection. This outcome does not conform to the reality of the multiethnic unity of China's society. Ethnic education concerns not only the members of ethnic groups but also the state. This overall view is necessary, although its premise is, of course, the existence of diverse individuals (multiculture). In this connection, we have examined the idea of, and research in, multicultural education, posited the possibility of localizing multicultural education, and explored ways of shifting from ideology to ecology--a broader and achievable concept of education. (Contains 16 notes and 2 tables.)