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The origin and influence of gaokao in China

Students give their teachers a high five before entering the examination hall for the 2026 National Higher Education Entrance Examination, or gaokao, in Guiyang city, Guizhou province, on June 8. Photo: Xinhua

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People & Culture

How China imperial exam leaves historical footprint and impact on gaokao, modern education

During the Qing dynasty, imperial exams confined thousands of candidates to narrow brick cubicles within sprawling, walled compounds. Photo: Sohu

The above image depicts people sitting an imperial examination during the Ming dynasty. Photo: Sohu

The above painting “Reviewing the Examination Results” by Ming dynasty master Qiu Ying shows crowds eagerly gathering to see the posted results. Photo: Sohu

Depicted above is the classic Southern Song dynasty painting, “Wielding One’s Calligraphy Brush in the Fragrant Woods. Photo: Sohu

The above image is that of an examination paper of the ancient Chinese imperial exams. Photo: Sohu

Students arriving for the first day of the National College Entrance Examination in Wuhan, central China, on June 7, 2023. Photo: AFP 

Ancient forerunner of today’s national college entrance examination saw candidates housed in cells, cheats executed, exiled or flogged.


The gaokao effect: how China’s rigorous exam influences aspirations and social mobility

The gaokao held in December 1977, above, was the first and only instance of this exam being conducted in winter; today, the gaokao is scheduled in June. Photo: Handout

A gaokao pass issued in 1979 served as a crucial identification tool for students before taking the exam. Photo: Handout

Following a hiatus of a decade during the Cultural Revolution (1966-76), the revival of the gaokao exam in 1977 held immense significance, as shown by students studying in Beijing in 1981. Photo: Liu Heung Shing

Students who do not perform well on the gaokao often turn to community colleges as a vital backup option. Above, two parents are seen poring over relevant documents to assist their child. Photo: Handout

In the aftermath of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, authorities established makeshift classrooms, tents, and hospital testing sites, enabling displaced and injured secondary school students to take the gaokao. Photo: Handout

To ensure fairness, teachers responsible for developing exam questions reportedly confined in secure facilities for about a month.


In this series focusing on China’s hugely important national college entrance examination, or gaokao, the SCMP explores the profound legacy of the country’s rigorous testing culture. We examine the historical footprint of the ancient imperial exams and their influence on modern education systems at home and abroad, alongside the modern-day “gaokao effect”.


China

China education

Series

The origin and influence of gaokao in China

China imperial exam leaves historical footprint, impact on gaokao, education today

Ancient forerunner of today’s national college entrance examination saw candidates housed in cells, cheats executed, exiled or flogged.

The gaokao effect: how China’s rigorous exam influences aspirations, social mobility

To ensure fairness, teachers responsible for developing exam questions reportedly confined in secure facilities for about a month.