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The origin and influence of gaokao in China
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Advertisement Advertisement The origin and influence of gaokao in China 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.
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The origin and influence of gaokao in China
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”.
Updated: 11 Jun, 2026
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[1]
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.
05 Jun, 2026
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[2]
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.
08 Jun, 2026
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