Linkages between ecosystem services and human well-being are complex. These linkages are of particular significance to disadvantaged communities, commonly residing in marginalized rural areas, and having difficulties regarding biophysical factors, infrastructure, housing, and aging populations. In this paper, we focused on such a typical area in Southwestern China, where we examined the linkages between ecosystem services and human well-being, underpinning our investigation by the social innovation theory and a social-ecological system framework. Going beyond what has been