The Highest Exam

The Highest Exam

How the Gaokao Shapes China

by Ruixue Jia and Hongbin Li with Claire Cousineau

Reception

2026
New York Review of Books
Reviewed by Howard W. French, 1 October

New York Review of Books · 1 October 2026

Let a Hundred Websites Bloom

The Internet and the smartphone have become formidable tools for the Chinese government to maintain tight control over society.

By Howard W. French

Also reviews The Wall Dancers by Yi-Ling Liu

Read at New York Review of Books (opens in a new tab)

Catalogue record

ISBN: 978-0-674-29539-1

Full recordClose

ISBN: 978-0-674-29539-1
Author: Jia, Ruixue · Cousineau, Hongbin Li with Claire
Statement: The Highest Exam : How the Gaokao Shapes China / Ruixue Jia and Hongbin Li with Claire Cousineau.

Catalogue data checked 3 October 2026