Chuanbei Imperial Examination Hall
川北道贡院
One of China's most completely preserved imperial examination halls from the Qing dynasty. Its exam cells, Mingyuan Tower and examiners' rooms are intact, and visitors can experience the process of the old civil service exams.
The Chuanbei Imperial Examination Hall is on Xuedao Street in the old town of Langzhong. It was first built in the early Qing dynasty. During the Shunzhi reign, when Sichuan was not yet fully under Qing control, provincial examinations were held in Langzhong, and the site served as a temporary examination hall for Sichuan. It later became the examination venue for prefectural tests in northern Sichuan. It is one of the largest and best-preserved ancient examination halls in China and is a national key cultural heritage site. The compound is a two-courtyard layout. Along its central axis are the main gate, Mingyuan Tower (the examiners' supervision tower), the Zhigong Hall and the rear hall. On either side, rows of low, narrow exam cells recreate the hardship candidates faced when sitting their exams. The exhibition halls present the history of the examination system, examination papers and the culture of the top scholars, since Langzhong produced several top scholars in its history. The site often hosts activities such as mock examinations. Admission is about 45 yuan, and it is included in the combined ticket. The hall is in the centre of the old town, about 3 minutes on foot from Zhongtian Tower. Note that the exam cell area is very cramped, queues are long during holidays, and it is best to visit in the morning.
Opening hours
8:00–18:30 (off-season until 18:00)