Final answer:
Formal education in China, particularly the Chinese civil service exams, began during the Han dynasty but became institutionalized during the Sui dynasty.
Step-by-step explanation:
The formal education system in China, specifically the Chinese civil service exams, can be traced back to the Han dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE). However, it wasn't until the Sui dynasty (581-618 CE) that the system became institutionalized and standardized. The exams were open to men, usually from noble or wealthy families, and tested their knowledge on subjects such as Confucianism, history, and literature.
Learn more about Chinese civil service exams