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Key Facts: HKDSE Chinese History Exam
HKDSE Chinese History is a Category A elective subject set by the HKEAA, distinct from the separate HKDSE History subject.
Paper 1 (歷代發展) is compulsory, carries 70% of the marks, and runs 2 hours 15 minutes.
Paper 2 (歷史專題) is elective, carries 30%, runs 1 hour 20 minutes, and offers six thematic units.
From the 2025/26 cohort, candidates may sit only Paper 1 but are then capped at Level 5.
Paper 1 splits at the eve of the First Opium War (1839-1842) into ancient Section A and modern Section B.
Over 6,000 candidates sit HKDSE Chinese History each year.
The 2026 examination fee is HK$519 per subject for school candidates.
Results are graded on a seven-band scale from Level 1 to Level 5, with Level 5* and 5** as the top distinctions.
HKDSE Chinese History has two Chinese-medium papers: the compulsory Paper 1 (歷代發展, 2h15, 70%) on dynastic history and the elective Paper 2 (歷史專題, 1h20, 30%) on six thematic units, graded Level 1 to 5**.
Sample HKDSE Chinese History Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to review concepts for the HKDSE Chinese History exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1In the HKDSE Chinese History examination, which paper covers 'Establishment and transformation through the ages' (歷代發展) and is the compulsory component carrying the larger share of marks?
2Which dynasty first unified China under a single centralised empire in 221 BCE?
3Under the optimised HKDSE Chinese History curriculum effective from the 2025/26 school year, a candidate who sits only the compulsory Paper 1 can attain a maximum grade of which level?
4Which administrative innovation did the Qin dynasty adopt to replace the Zhou system of hereditary feudal lords?
5Paper 2 (歷史專題) of HKDSE Chinese History is structured around how many thematic units, from which a candidate selects one and answers two questions?
6The political philosophy that the Qin dynasty adopted as its governing ideology, emphasising strict laws and harsh punishments, is known as:
7Which Han emperor is credited with adopting Confucianism as the official state orthodoxy and establishing the Imperial Academy (太學)?
8In Paper 1, the dynastic content is divided into two sections. Section A (甲部) covers the period up to which event, after which Section B (乙部) begins?
9The famous trade and cultural route opened during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, linking China to Central Asia and beyond, is commonly known as the:
10Which usurper briefly interrupted the Han dynasty by founding the short-lived Xin (新) dynasty?
About the HKDSE Chinese History Exam
HKDSE Chinese History (中國歷史) is a Category A elective subject of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, set and assessed by the HKEAA. It is a distinct subject from HKDSE History, focusing specifically on Chinese dynastic and modern history. The compulsory Paper 1, 'Establishment and transformation through the ages' (歷代發展), covers political development from the Xia-Shang-Zhou through the Qin, Han, Wei-Jin and Southern-Northern dynasties, Sui-Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, Qing, the Republican era and the PRC, divided into an ancient Section A and a modern Section B at the eve of the First Opium War. The elective Paper 2, 'Themes in history' (歷史專題), offers six thematic units exploring culture, regions and resources, intellectuals, institutions, religion and women's status. Over 6,000 candidates sit the subject each year, and results contribute to university admission through JUPAS.
Exam sponsor: Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.
Questions
100 questions
Time Limit
Paper 1: 2 hours 15 minutes; Paper 2: 1 hour 20 minutes
Passing Score
Seven-band scale (Level 1 to Level 5, plus 5* and 5**); below Level 1 is Unclassified. Paper-1-only candidates are capped at Level 5 from 2025/26.
Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.
Our practice resources: topics covered
We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.
Pre-Qin to Qin-Han
Xia-Shang-Zhou foundations, Hundred Schools of Thought, Qin unification and Legalism, Han Confucian orthodoxy, the Silk Road and Sima Qian.
Wei-Jin to Sui-Tang
Three Kingdoms and disunity, Northern Wei sinicisation, equal-field and nine-rank systems, Sui Grand Canal, Tang Zhenguan era, examinations and the An Lushan Rebellion.
Song-Yuan-Ming-Qing
Song civil-centred governance and Wang Anshi's reforms, Mongol Yuan class system, Ming autocracy and Zheng He's voyages, Manchu Qing and the High Qing era.
Modern and Contemporary China
Opium Wars and unequal treaties, Self-Strengthening, Hundred Days' Reform, 1911 Revolution, May Fourth, War of Resistance, the PRC, Maoist campaigns and Reform and Opening Up.
Thematic units (Paper 2)
Six elective themes including 20th-century culture, regions and resources, eras and intellectuals, institutions and political change, religious exchange, and women's social status.
Preparing for the HKDSE Chinese History Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Seven-band scale (Level 1 to Level 5, plus 5* and 5**); below Level 1 is Unclassified. Paper-1-only candidates are capped at Level 5 from 2025/26.
- Exam length: 100 questions
- Time limit: Paper 1: 2 hours 15 minutes; Paper 2: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Exam / certification fees: HK$519 per subject for 2026 school candidates Official sources
Using Our Practice Resources
- Work through all 100 available questions
- Review every answer and explanation
- Track weak areas and revisit them
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
HKDSE Chinese History: Suggested Study Strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HKDSE Chinese History the same as HKDSE History?
No. They are two separate Category A subjects. Chinese History (中國歷史) focuses on Chinese dynastic and modern history and is examined in Chinese, while History covers wider 19th- and 20th-century world and Asian history and is usually examined in English.
What is the structure of the HKDSE Chinese History examination?
There are two papers. The compulsory Paper 1 (歷代發展), worth 70%, runs 2 hours 15 minutes and tests dynastic history in an ancient Section A and a modern Section B. The elective Paper 2 (歷史專題), worth 30%, runs 1 hour 20 minutes and offers six thematic units.
Can I take only Paper 1 from 2025/26?
Yes. Under the optimised curriculum effective from 2025/26, candidates may sit only the compulsory Paper 1, but their result is then capped at Level 5. To be eligible for Level 5* or 5**, they must also sit the elective Paper 2.
What are the six thematic units in Paper 2?
They are: 20th-century Chinese traditional culture (continuity and transformation); regions and resource utilisation; eras and intellectuals; institutions and political change; religious dissemination and cultural exchange; and women's social status (tradition and change).
How much does the HKDSE Chinese History exam cost in 2026?
For 2026, school candidates pay HK$519 per non-language elective subject such as Chinese History. Non-school candidates pay HK$595, and candidates taking the exam at mainland venues pay HK$2,500.
How is HKDSE Chinese History graded?
Results are reported on a seven-band scale from Level 1 (lowest) to Level 5, with the highest performers awarded Level 5* and Level 5**. Candidates scoring below Level 1 are designated Unclassified (U).