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”.

To ensure fairness, teachers responsible for developing exam questions reportedly confined in secure facilities for about a month.

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…