Jiangnan Gongyuan: The Largest Imperial Examination Venue in China

Jiangnan Gongyuan, also known as Nanjing Gongyuan or Jiankang Gongyuan, was the largest and most influential imperial examination venue in Chinese history. It was the place for selecting scholars in the southern regions of China and one of the three major ancient architectural complexes in the Confucius Temple area, an important part of the Qinhuai scenic zone. Its vast scale and extensive grounds made it the foremost among the provincial Gongyuans in China, setting a record for ancient imperial examination venues. More than half of the officials during the Ming and Qing dynasties came from Jiangnan Gongyuan, earning it the reputation as the 'cradle of ancient Chinese officials'. The Jiangnan Gongyuan was founded in the fourth year of the Qiandao era of the Southern Song Dynasty (1168) and was expanded and renovated over successive dynasties, reaching its peak during the Ming and Qing dynasties. From its establishment until the abolition of the imperial examination in the late Qing Dynasty, the Jiangnan Gongyuan produced over eight hundred top scholars (Zhuangyuan), more than one hundred thousand Jinshi degree holders, and over a million Juren candidates. Famous figures from the Ming and Qing dynasties such as Tang Bohu, Zheng Banqiao, Wu Jingzi, Shi Nai'an, Weng Tonghe, Zhang Jian, and Chen Duxiu all emerged from this institution, reflecting the prosperity of Jinling's culture.