Jiangnan Imperial Examination Hall to breathe the ancient tension of imperial examinations
Photo by Jiangnan Imperial Examination HallAs one of the biggest imperial examination halls in ancient China, it originated as a venue for county or provincial-level examinations in the Ming Dynasty (A.D.1368). Continuing to the Qing Dynasty, it was developed into the biggest national examination venue with 20644 examination rooms. By that time, 50% of all national-wide top1 scholars (in total 58 examinees) were selected after taking exams here. Nowadays, it is a museum exhibiting cultural relics and historical collections.
Tips:
- A brand new museum 'Nanjing Imperial Examination Museum' lies at the opposite side. Also worth paying a visit.
- You may easily ignore a big wooden stake lying on the ground when entering the entrance. In the Chinese folk culture, it is called 'Dragon Gate': walking through it is believed to bring examinees good luck.
- Better to hire an English-speaking guide during your visit. It charges RMB 40 for groups of 30 or fewer, RMB 45 for groups of 31 or more (known at the time of printing).
Opening hours:
8:30-22:00 (Summer time); 8:30-21:00 (Winter time)
Tickets:
RMB 25
WIFI:
Address:
No. 1 Jinling RoadBy metro:
From Fuzi Miao Plaza (P13), walk along Gongyuan Street for about 200 meters.
Tel:
+86 25 5223 6971 / +86 25 8662 6556