By reviewing relevant literature and interviewing with some educators in Mainland China, this article is meant to explore the entrance systems of secondary and higher education there. Examinations are the main approach by which Chinese students can attend higher levels of schools. Only a small proportion of students can be recommended for further studies. Generally speaking, before receiving higher education, an average student has to pass at least three entrance examinations: 1. the junior high school entrance examination Since the popularization of nine-year compulsory education is one of the central government's most important educational policies, more and more primary school graduates can attend near-by junior high schools without taking any entrance examination. 2. the senior high school entrance examination The junior high school graduates who do well on the senior high school entrance examination can be admitted to "keypoint high schools" and almost will never fail to enter colleges. Therefore, the senior high school entrance examination, which is usually held by the provincial (autonomous region, or metropolis) committee of education, is more competitive than the other two entrance examinations. There used to be many examinations for various kinds of post-secondary schools, but now the examinations tend to be combined together. 3. the college entrance examination As the openings which colleges provide for senior high school graduates are on the increase, higher education in China is likely to be transformed into popular education from elite education. Since 1998, the entrance examination has been undertaking great reforms in subjects, contents, form, and enrollment method.