Gaokao math question turns Ningxia pagodas into online sensation

A math question from China's 2026 national college entrance examination, or gaokao, has sparked widespread attention by turning a centuries-old cultural landmark into an unexpected social media sensation.

The math question featured the famous 108 Pagodas in Qingtongxia, Ningxia Hui autonomous region, using the ancient complex's arrangement pattern.

Shortly after completing the exam, Su Xinyan invited Pathberiya Senanga, a Sri Lankan student at Ningxia Medical University, to visit the site.

Standing beside the Yellow River, Su explained the history and cultural significance of the landmark, which was built during the Western Xia Dynasty (1038-1227). The pagodas are arranged in odd-numbered rows, forming a giant triangular pattern that mirrors the mathematical model in the exam.

"The layout is exactly like the problem on my test paper," Su said while pointing to the hillside structure.

Senanga was impressed. "It's amazing to see mathematical wisdom hidden in ancient buildings," she said.