In 755, the Tang Dynasty formalized the imperial examination system, which aimed to recruit government officials based on merit rather than birth. This system was established in Chang'an and became a cornerstone of Chinese bureaucracy, promoting education and intellectual achievement. The exams focused on Confucian texts, shaping the cultural and political landscape of China.

The imperial examination system fostered a culture of scholarship and poetry, as aspiring officials studied classical texts and composed poetry as part of their training. This led to a flourishing of literary talent, with poets like Bai Juyi emerging from this system, whose works often reflected the values and ideals promoted by Confucianism.