The purpose of this study is to develop greater depth of understanding regarding educational leadership development in the five northwestern provinces (Shaanxi, Yinjiang, Gansu, Qinghai, and Ningxia) of the People's Republic of China. The researchers used a mixed method approach of surveys and focused group interviews to gather data regarding the current state of educational leadership training in this under-developed region of China. Findings indicate that most of the educational leaders included in this study have limited teaching experience and relatively low levels of formal education and few, if any, opportunities for training and professional development. However, the participants express great desire for more training to become knowledgeable about and skilled in western-oriented leadership approahes that could be used in conjunction with the Confucian-based approaches that have traditionally defined leadership in China.