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The Imperial Examination in Taiwan: A Special Exhibition on Taiwanese Jinshi

2026-05-21 14:08:40
藝術中心
Unit藝術中心
17
       The Art Center of National Chung Hsing University is hosting “The Imperial Examination in Taiwan: A Special Exhibition on Taiwanese Jinshi” from May 18 to June 11, 2026. The exhibition focuses on the establishment and development of the imperial examination system in Taiwan. Through a rich collection of historical images and documents — including imperial edict, jinshi registers, artifacts from former residences, rubbings of Taiwanese jinshi records from the Ming and Qing dynasties “jinshi name steles” at the Beijing Confucius Temple, calligraphy works, and documents on the residences of Taiwanese scholars traveling to Beijing for the imperial examinations — the exhibition presents the literary cultivation and calligraphic accomplishments of Taiwanese jinshi, as well as stories of prominent jinshi families, helping visitors appreciate the charm and essence of traditional culture.

       The imperial examination system, established in China since the Sui and Tang dynasties, was a method of selecting government officials through examinations rather than hereditary or aristocratic privilege. It helped form a scholar-official class and brought major social and cultural change. According to historical records, the system was created in 605 C.E. and abolished in 1905 C.E., lasting for roughly 1,300 years. Success in the imperial examinations was regarded as “leaping through the dragon gate,” and each successful candidate progressed through several stages—the provincial examination, which produced juren; the metropolitan examination, which produced gongshi; and the palace examination, which determined the final jinshi ranking. Phrases such as “having one’s name written on the golden list” and “plucking a cassia branch in the Moon Palace”—a traditional expression meaning passed the imperial examinations with flying colors —symbolized great honor and success. In Taiwan, the system flourished during the Qing dynasty, creating a strong culture of learning. Over more than 200 years, 33 scholars passed the civil examination and became jinshi. The first was Chen Meng-qiu in 1694, and the last was Wang Chun-yuan in 1903. These jinshi made important contributions to Taiwan’s education, culture, and social development in different periods.

       In addition to historical and cultural materials, the exhibition features a recreated examination booth, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of ancient candidates taking exams in a confined space for several days. A large yellow announcement board, modeled after those posted in ancient times, is also displayed outside the exhibition areas, offering visitors a glimpse into the anticipation of checking examination results. Although the imperial examination system no longer exists, it played an important role in spreading Confucianism, promoting academies, and promoted a strong culture of education. Many talented scholars of this period contributed significantly to education, social values, and community cohesion, reflecting the lasting influence of Taiwan’s jinshi scholars.

       Bringing together the research of several scholars, this exhibition presents Taiwan’s imperial examination history through historical materials, calligraphy, and a systematic curatorial narrative that allows visitors to understand the local cultural value, social education, knowledge transmission, and historical identity. These aspects are closely connected to the development of Taiwan’s humanities. Through this exhibition, we hope to encourage a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s history and culture, as well as greater attention to the preservation, transmission, and exchange of traditional culture. We warmly welcome everyone to visit.

►Exhibition Information
Admission Free
Date: May 18 ~ June 11, 2026
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 from Mon. to Fri., 10:00-16:00 from Sat. to Sun. (closed on public holidays)
Venue: Art Center, NCHU (The 7th floor in Library building)
 
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