Imperial Examination Museum of China (Jiangnan Examination Hall)

First founded in 1168 during the Southern‑Song Dynasty, it grew into China’s largest imperial examination venue in Ming and Qing dynasties, housing 20,644 examination cells to accommodate over 20,000 candidates simultaneously. Numerous celebrated figures including Tang Bohu, Zheng Banqiao and Wu Jingzi once took imperial examinations or served as exam officials here. The distinctive underground‑structured museum descends four floors beneath ground, shaped like a buried historical treasure box. It presents the complete 1,300‑year evolution of China’s imperial examination system through cultural relics, scene restoration and multi‑media interactive displays. Core highlights cover the symbolic Mingyuan Tower, original examination cell relics, giant bamboo‑slip‑style installation wall, No.1 Scholar exhibition hall, precious ancient examination papers and Kuixing Hall. Above‑ground heritage buildings are well‑preserved while underground galleries deliver immersive visiting experience. Blending history, architecture and interactive cultural displays, it is a top‑rated cultural‑education site for history lovers, family visitors and students. Night illumination casts elegant reflections of ancient structures on the pool, creating stunning night‑time views.