AdvertisementAdvertisementNEWSCMP People & Culture SeriesThe origin and influence of gaokao in ChinaIn 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”.