The 10 highest scorers among the students from seven provinces who sat this year's national college entrance exams were invited to attend a ceremony in Jincheng in North China's Shanxi province. [Photo/CFP]

The 10 highest scorers among the students from seven provinces who sat this year's national college entrance exams were invited to attend a ceremony in Jincheng in North China's Shanxi province on the weekend. An actor playing the "Emperor Kangxi", the fourth emperor of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), "knighted" each of the students and gave each 10,000 yuan ($1,615) and a copy of Kangxi Dictionary. Comments:

The imperial examination system was abolished over a century ago, yet Jincheng has reproduced a scene similar to the ennoblements bestowed by the emperor. If it was simply meant to reward the performance of these students and encourage others to study, why bother to make so much ado by copying the imperial ceremony? Such an eye-catching rigmarole can be easily spotted and as a publicity stunt, and it is worth pondering why these top students participated.

Dalian Daily, July 27

These top scorers surely realize their own worth, but such worth should be embodied in self-fulfillment and their contribution to society, rather than being commercially rewarded by a stunt that makes use of their success in the interest of others. Only by realizing this can these top scorers find their right place in society.

Rednet.cn. July 27

On the surface, the Jincheng event seems to have attracted widespread attention that cost less than conventional advertizing. However, judging from the negative response, it is not difficult to conclude such a vulgar stunt has backfired. Like similar attempts to cash in on the top scorers in the entrance exams in the past, it shows the authorities need to step in and put a stop to such exploitation.

Beijing Times, July 27