Nanjing / Jiangnan Examination Hall

The joint ticketing system between the Jiangnan Examination Hall and the China Imperial Examination Museum is definitely worthwhile! The Jiangnan Examination Hall itself isn't large; you can see it all in half an hour.

The Jiangnan Examination Hall is of immense historical value. It was the site of the imperial examinations, and it produced the most successful candidates in the highest level of the imperial examinations (Jinshi). The second most successful was the Zhejiang Examination Hall!

Many prominent scholars in literature and history graduated from the Jiangnan Examination Hall, such as Li Hongzhang, a prominent official in the late Qing Dynasty, Wu Cheng'en, author of *Journey to the West*, and Wu Jingzi, author of *The Scholars*.

The most intriguing part is the list of top scholars (Zhuangyuan) from various dynasties. Many familiar names are listed there, and because visitors are looking for the more famous ones, their names are surprisingly prominent and easily spotted.

Traveling to the capital for the imperial examinations was incredibly arduous! Show them respect! 🫡

📍Admission Fee: 50 RMB (including the Imperial Examination Museum)

📍Opening Hours: 09:00-21:30

Post by Lee Lee Sam | Nov 2, 2025