Guilin Palace: Exploring China's Royal Exam History

Forget Everything You Know About China—Meeting the King of Guilin!

Destination:ChinaProvince:GuangxiCity:Guilin
Forget Everything You Know About China—Meeting the King of Guilin!
Mike China Vlog2024-11-1522 min

In today’s video, we invite you to forget everything you know about China and join us on a journey to Guilin’s historic palace, where we finally meet the King of Guilin! This experience dives into the ancient traditions of China’s royal exam system, a unique practice that cultivated some of the greatest academics in Chinese history. Discover the fascinating history of Guilin’s academic legacy and learn how these customs have shaped the city’s culture and reputation. Whether you’re intrigued by Chinese heritage, love exploring ancient palaces, or are simply curious about Guilin’s hidden stories, this video will offer you a fresh perspective on China.

--- Mike China Vlog
November 15, 2024, Autumn in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:05Mike's exam experience
  2. 2:02Arrival at Jingjiang Palace
  3. 3:45Palace to University
  4. 4:39Central axis of the city
  5. 5:32University and history
  6. 6:07Palace history and architecture
  7. 7:02Entering the palace
  8. 8:06Traditional writing methods
  9. 9:17Praying for good fortune
  10. 10:08Exploring other parts
  11. 12:02Ching Dynasty exam rewards
  12. 14:35Mike takes the exam
  13. 15:30Writing name and character
  14. 16:05Exam questions and answers
  15. 19:03Exam process and cheating
  16. 20:08Exam storage location
  17. 20:34Exam results announcement

Mike explores Guilin's historic palace, experiencing China's ancient royal exam system firsthand. A unique cultural journey filled with historical insights and surprising discoveries!

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Visit Jingjiang Palace in Guilin, China, to explore its rich history and stunning architecture. The palace seamlessly blends historical significance with modern-day use, making it a truly unique destination. (2:02)
  2. Tip 2Experience the unique blend of history and education at Jingjiang Palace, which transitioned from a royal residence to a university. Explore both aspects to appreciate Guilin's evolving academic legacy. (3:45)
  3. Tip 3Walk the central axis of Jingjiang Palace, tracing the path of the King and gaining insights into the city's layout and history during the Kingdom Period. This offers a unique perspective on the city's historical development. (4:39)
  4. Tip 4Examine the architectural details of Jingjiang Palace, noting the original structures that survived despite the palace being burned down twice. Appreciate the resilience of the building and its historical significance. (6:07)
  5. Tip 5Learn the traditional Chinese writing methods using ink and brushes. Observe the precision and pressure required to create clear and visible characters. This offers a hands-on understanding of ancient Chinese practices. (8:06)
  6. Tip 6Explore the test hill surrounding Jingjiang Palace, understanding its strategic importance for protection and the panoramic view it provides. This adds a layer of strategic and geographical context to the palace's history. (10:08)
  7. Tip 7Discover the rewards and recognition bestowed upon top-performing students during the Ching Dynasty. Examine the artifacts and traditions associated with the exam system, gaining insights into the social and cultural implications. (12:02)
  8. Tip 8Experience a mock imperial examination at Jingjiang Palace, replicating the historical process and understanding the challenges faced by candidates. This provides a hands-on, immersive experience. (14:35)
  9. Tip 9Understand the strict rules and regulations surrounding the imperial examination, including the measures taken to prevent cheating. This provides insights into the integrity and fairness of the system. (19:03)
  10. Tip 10Witness the process of storing and managing the examination papers after the exam, gaining insights into the administrative aspects of the imperial examination system. This provides a comprehensive understanding of the system's operation. (20:08)

Embark on an extraordinary journey to Guilin with Mike China Vlog as he explores a historic palace and unravels the mysteries of China's ancient royal exam system. This captivating video unveils the fascinating academic legacy of Guilin, offering a unique perspective on Chinese culture and traditions. Witness Mike's personal experience taking a mock exam, and discover the surprising history behind this significant part of Chinese history.

More about the current video:( 23 / 44 )

Forget Everything You Know About China—Meeting the King of Guilin!

In this captivating video, Mike China Vlog takes viewers on a unique journey to Guilin, China, where he explores the Jingjiang Palace, a site steeped in history and tradition. The video focuses on the palace's role in China's ancient imperial examination system, a pivotal aspect of Chinese culture.

Mike's exploration begins with an engaging introduction to the palace grounds, showcasing its architectural beauty and historical significance. He highlights the palace's transformation from a royal residence to a university, a testament to Guilin's evolving academic legacy. The video seamlessly blends historical context with Mike's personal experience.

The viewer is treated to a vivid depiction of the traditional exam process, from the tools used—ink and brushes—to the strict rules and regulations. Mike's attempt at writing in the traditional style provides a humorous and relatable element, showcasing the challenges and precision required of the candidates.

The video goes beyond the exam process itself, exploring the palace's broader historical context. Mike expertly explains the palace's significance during different dynasties, including its destruction and subsequent reconstruction. He shares details about the building's architecture, highlighting the original structures that remain, and the strategic importance of its location.

The exploration extends to the surrounding landscape, with Mike pointing out the test hill, a strategic vantage point offering a panoramic view of the palace grounds. He shares intriguing historical anecdotes, like the inscription on a rock, dating back to 1133, praising Guilin's natural beauty, a testament to the enduring legacy of the place.

The video also delves into the rewards and recognition bestowed upon the top-performing students, showcasing the artifacts and traditions associated with the exam system. Mike's participation in a mock exam and the subsequent grading process adds a layer of personal engagement, bringing the historical context to life.

Mike's interactions with local guides and his insightful commentary throughout the video enhance the viewer's understanding and appreciation of Guilin's rich history and culture. The video culminates in Mike's reflection on the experience, highlighting the significance of the royal exam system and its lasting impact on Guilin's identity. The video is a testament to Mike's ability to blend historical exploration with personal narrative, creating an engaging and informative experience for the viewer.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was it like taking the mock exam?
A: It was challenging! The writing style is very different from what I'm used to. It required a lot more precision and control.
Q: What was the most surprising thing you learned about the royal exams?
A: Probably how elaborate the whole process was, from the preparation to the grading. And how important it was to the social structure.
Q: What was your favorite part of visiting the Jingjiang Palace?
A: I really enjoyed learning about the transition from a royal residence to a university. It shows how places evolve and adapt over time.

Guilin Palace: Exploring China's Royal Exam History

In today’s video, we invite you to forget everything you know about China and join us on a journey to Guilin’s historic palace, where we finally meet the King of Guilin! This experience dives into the ancient traditions of China’s royal exam system, a unique practice that cultivated some of the...

Guilin Palace: Exploring China’s Royal Exam History

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Guilin and uncover the secrets of its historic palace! Witness the fascinating ancient traditions of China's royal exam system, a unique practice that shaped the city's rich academic legacy. Explore the hidden stories and cultural heritage of Guilin, offering a fresh perspective on China's captivating history and traditions.

Attractions in this video: Jingjiang Palace, Test Hill