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The Economists Lists "The Highest Exam" as One of the Best Books of 2025

The Economists Lists "The Highest Exam" as One of the Best Books of 2025

On November 20, 2025 The Economist published their list of the best books of 2025 and included Hongbin Li's new book, "The Highest Exam: How the Gaokao Shapes China" in the line-up.
Illustration of a woman reading on a couch with a Christmas tree behind her. Illustration: Tatyana Alanis

The Economist included SCCEI Co-Director Hongbin Li's new book in their lineup of the best books of 2025. Here's what they had to say:

"The Highest Exam: How the Gaokao Shapes China. By Ruixue Jia and Hongbin Li with Claire Cousineau. 

The gaokao—China’s university entrance exam—shapes much of the country’s society, from pay to politics. Read this thoughtful book to learn how the test is the first of many tournaments in which the Chinese have to compete over the course of their lives."

See the full list: https://www.economist.com/culture/2025/11/20/the-best-books-of-2025 

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