As the 2026 National College Entrance Examination in mainland China approaches, a Ming Dynasty examination paper for the top scholar from over 400 years ago has recently resurfaced on the internet, causing a stir among Chinese netizens.
The examination paper, which belonged to the top scholar of the Ming Dynasty, spans 268 centimeters in length and 47.6 centimeters in height. It is well-preserved, consisting of 19 folding pages. The first half of the paper contains the brief biographies of the author’s ancestors for three generations, while the second half is the actual text of the examination. The entire document is 2460 characters long, written in small regular script, with consistent character sizes of about one centimeter each and not a single trace of correction or alteration throughout.
At the beginning of the examination paper, there are six large characters handwritten by Emperor Wanli, stating “First place in the first section.” The end of the paper lists the names and official titles of nine examiners, including Grand Secretaries, Ministers of Rites, and Ministers of War, as well as the complete official positions and names of an officer specifically responsible for verifying and stamping the examination papers.
According to reports in mainland Chinese media, this “top scholar paper” is the only surviving authentic Ming Dynasty examination paper from the top scholar’s final imperial examination. It belonged to Zhao Bingzhong, the top scholar of the Ming Wanli Emperor’s 26th year (AD 1598).
Historical records show that Zhao Bingzhong achieved the top scholar title at the young age of 25. He later served as the Minister of Rites. Upon retiring and returning to his hometown, he brought back the examination paper, which had been preserved by the court, to Qingzhou. This examination paper has been preserved for over 400 years.
In 1983, it was donated by Zhao Bingzhong’s 13th-generation descendant, Zhao Huanbin, and is currently housed at the Qingzhou Museum in Shandong Province.