The Guangdong Traditional Chinese Medical Physician Qualification Examination took place on March 20 in Guangzhou. A grey-haired old man sitting in the venue surprised other young candidates from across the country.

Ju Xiangzheng is an 83-year-old man from Zhongshan. Since the age of 78, Ju has passed the Traditional Chinese Pharmacist Exam and the National Western Pharmacist Exam. As a pharmacy student, he chose to take part in a cross-disciplined exam this time, the Physician Qualification Exam. It is also the 4th exam he has taken in the past 6 years.

It was reported that over 15,000 people applied for the exam, but only 144 of them were selected to the final round in Guangzhou after tests and assessments. Ju was the only TCM internal medicine candidate from Zhongshan who participate in the final round selection.

Ju was born in Shuinan Town of Jishui County, Jiangxi Province. After retirement, Ju followed his siblings to Zhongshan, and lived in Banfu Town for over 20 years.

"I took the exams to test myself," said Ju. "Through these exams, I also updated my repertoire and learned more new things."

For his upcoming study plan, Ju hopes to join the General Practitioner Examination. "It is funny to learn. I hope I can live into my 100s, and then I can keep studying."