Live Your Best Lives
The Xuezheng Examination Hall is located in the middle section of Lin'an Road in Jianshui County, Yunnan Province. Originally located in the southeast corner of the city during the Ming Dynasty, it was relocated to its current location in 1693, the 30th year of the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. It served as the venue for the Yunnan Provincial Governor's regular academy examinations. Candidates came from four prefectures: Lin'an, Yuanjiang, Kaihua (now Wenshan Prefecture), and Pu'er (now Simao City). Only those who passed could proceed to the provincial capital to take the provincial examination.
The examination hall is 150 square meters deep and over 40 meters wide, covering an area of over 6,000 square meters. The buildings are arranged in a strict symmetrical pattern around the corridor, forming four courtyards. The solemnity and awe-inspiring layout create a sense of continuous progress. The last courtyard houses the Education Administration Office. It was designated a Yunnan Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit in 1993.
The Jianshui Xuezheng Examination Hall served as a preparatory exam for the imperial examinations. Those who passed the examinations received generous treatment and embarked on the path to the national imperial examinations. Afterward, those who passed the provincial examinations and became Juren, and then the metropolitan and palace examinations, becoming Jinshi, could be appointed officials, realizing the dream of "from a farmer in the morning to an emperor in the evening."
The subtropical plateau monsoon climate has a relatively uniform seasonal pattern, with rainy and cool summers and warm winters. All seasons are suitable for travel.
The entire building of the Xuezheng Examination Hall was centered around a corridor, forming six courtyards. The first courtyard housed the Drum Hall and the Gate of Call, the second courtyard housed the Dragon Gate, the third courtyard housed the East and West Literary Halls, the fourth courtyard housed the Academic Hall, the fifth courtyard housed the Hall of Preservation, and the sixth courtyard housed the Xuezheng Office.
The Yunnan Xuezheng Examination Hall Scenic Area covers over 6,000 square meters. Its architectural complex is remarkably well-preserved, housing a rich collection of artifacts that showcase the dynamics of learning and life under the ancient imperial examination system, as well as the examination process itself. It offers a panoramic view of the grand occasion of the Lin'an Imperial Examinations. The museum houses over 30,000 pieces of stationery and fine objects, spanning the Pre-Qin, Chu, Han, Tang, Song, Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, Liao, Jin, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The museum also features a dedicated exhibition dedicated to the collection of rare items from ancient times, showcasing the stationery and fine objects of renowned masters.
It is recommended to play for about 1 hour.
30 yuan/person
08:00-18:30
The Academic Examination Hall in Yunnan reflects the historical imperial examination system that was used to select government officials in ancient China. It holds cultural and educational significance as a site preserving traditional Chinese scholarly heritage.
It is located in the Red River area of Yunnan Province. Visitors can reach it by local bus, taxi, or walking from nearby accommodations.
Typically open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy softer lighting for photography.
Entrance fees are usually modest, and tickets can be purchased on-site. Some local travel platforms may offer online tickets.
Advance booking is not strictly necessary, except during peak tourist seasons or public holidays.
1–2 hours is sufficient to explore the main halls, exhibition rooms, and courtyards thoroughly.
Guided tours may be available in Chinese; English or other language guides are limited, so using a translation app or local guide is recommended.
Start at the main entrance, move through the courtyards, visit exhibition halls, and then explore the outer gardens and auxiliary buildings for a complete experience.
The hall is generally open during the day only; night visits or light shows are not offered.
Weekdays are the least crowded. Public holidays may see more visitors.
Basic facilities include rest areas and toilets. Nearby streets have cafes and small souvenir shops.
The site is mostly accessible, but some steps and traditional architecture may pose challenges for wheelchair users.
Cash is accepted for entry fees; some shops and cafes may accept mobile payments or cards.
Local restaurants and small cafes are available nearby offering Yunnan cuisine and snacks.
Vegetarian options are generally available; halal options may be limited.
Several hotels, guesthouses, and hostels are located within walking distance or a short taxi ride away.
Souvenir shops nearby sell traditional Yunnan handicrafts, calligraphy items, and cultural memorabilia.
Taxis, ride-hailing apps, and local buses are convenient for visiting other nearby attractions in Yunnan.
