Overseas students dress in traditional Chinese costumes and take a selfie. [Photo provided to english.jsjyt.gov.cn]
Ever wondered how ancient Chinese took a “college entrance exam”? Some 100 overseas students from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics relieved the experience during a visit to Jiangnan Gongyuan, the Imperial Examination Museum in Nanjing, on Dec 9.
The museum was built upon an ancient examination hall and displays the customs, tools and life related to keju (Imperial Examination System).
Following an English tour guide, the students visited five exhibition areas of the museum and were impressed by its architectural design and rich historical collections.
At the basement of the museum, the students were introduced to a special exhibition on keju culture, including its history, rules and statues of some famous figures. They also tried their hands at printing, and the ancient printmaking techniques in China.
The visit offered the students an opportunity to comprehend China’s imperial exam culture and its related traditions.
Students visiting Jiangnan Gongyuan, the Imperial Examination Museum in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, pose for a photo. [Photo provided to english.jsjyt.gov.cn]
“This is my second time visiting the museum; every time it gave me a different feeling. Chinese culture is so attractive, and I like it so much. If my family comes to China, I will invite them to the museum,” said Aanchal from Nepal.
Bangladeshi student Asif couldn’t agree more, noting that “the imperial exam system has made a very deep impression on me. It is so great”.
Keju is a kind of examination system from ancient times, through which officials were examined and selected. It was first adopted in the Sui Dynasty (581-618) and lasted through the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Intellectuals who wanted to be officials had to take multi-tier examinations.
