In the 1930s, Chinese ethnology was born, and it has been nearly 100 years since then. Most of the pioneers of Chinese ethnology studied under Western anthropological theorists, such as Wu Wenzao, Fei Xiaotong, Pan Guangdan, Yang Chengzhi, and others. After long-term efforts, socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era. In this context, Chinese ethnology is facing a major disciplinary transformation, which is a survival strategy with no other choice. Some secondary disciplines are facing a crisis of revocation, and new related disciplines and research fields are emerging. The economy, history, and art of Chinese ethnic minorities may be abolished, and the research status of Chinese ethnic community studies and anthropology and world ethnic groups may be elevated. Chinese ethnology no longer emphasizes the study of a single ethnic culture, but places more emphasis on the holistic study of the Chinese nation. In addition, at the disciplinary level, Chinese ethnology and anthropology have always been interdependent. To be precise, anthropology is attached to ethnology and sociology, which is also another survival strategy. In recent years, emerging branches of anthropology have developed rapidly in China, such as medical anthropology, care anthropology, painting anthropology, literary anthropology, and a large number of academic achievements have emerged. The unique value of anthropology in fields such as medical care and end-of-life care is receiving increasing attention and support. This article reviews the disciplinary history of Chinese ethnology and discusses its academic evolution with Western ethnology and anthropology. This study suggests that the academic transformation of Chinese ethnology is both a survival strategy and a survival wisdom.In conclusion, this paper discusses the past, present and future of ethnology and anthropology in China.