Self-healing is one of the most significant characteristics of the smart distribution system. It provides possibilities to solve various problems of the distribution system， such as the low capacity utilization rate， the low power supply reliability and the high line loss rate， all of which have long since existed in China. Firstly， this paper introduces the aim， technical solution and implementation condition of self-healing control of the smart distribution system， based on which， it then deals with some key scientific issues of intelligent distribution network， including simulation， analysis and test technology， intelligent decision-making and network reconfiguration， fault characteristic and its protection as well as the key load security. The challenges facing the research and demonstration of self-healing control are summarized.