China's Gaokao 2025 Kicks Off with Community Support and Cultural Traditions
The start of the national college entrance exams sees rituals and encouragement that highlight the significance of this pivotal moment for students and their families.
On June 7, 2025, high school students across China commenced the national college entrance examinations, popularly known as the gaokao.
This significant academic event, which lasts several days, is seen as a crucial milestone for students seeking to gain admission to universities.
As candidates began their exams, a wave of cultural traditions and community support unfolded, underscoring the emotional weight of the occasion.
Traditional attire featured prominently, with many parents, particularly mothers, opting to wear red cheongsams, or qipaos, symbolizing fortune and prosperity, as the color red is often associated with good luck in Chinese culture.
The sight of parents dressed in these garments paralleled the optimistic atmosphere surrounding this important academic transition.
In cities such as Suqian, Jiangsu, parents held sunflowers as a gesture of encouragement.
The term "sunflower" phonetically corresponds to "ranking top" in Chinese, reflecting parents' aspirations for their children to excel.
Acts of solidarity and support were evident throughout examination centers.
For example, in Hezhou, Guangxi, high school teachers shared blessings with their students via banner displays, fostering a sense of community encouragement.
Similarly, in locations such as Binzhou, Shandong, high-fives were exchanged between teachers and students after the conclusion of the first exam session, exemplifying camaraderie and shared journey.
Logistical support was also evident; in Zaozhuang, Shandong, police responded promptly to assist a student who had forgotten their resident ID card by issuing a temporary document, ensuring that the oversight did not hinder the individual's ability to participate in the exams.
Some students opted for personal tokens of good luck, as seen in Jinhua, Zhejiang, where one candidate was seen with red ribbons in her hair, embodying custom practices aimed at fostering confidence during the examinations.
As candidates exited examination rooms, the atmosphere was filled with anxiety mingled with hope.
The gaokao remains a pivotal event not only for the students who take it but also for their families and educators, marking a significant collective moment in the education system of China.
This significant academic event, which lasts several days, is seen as a crucial milestone for students seeking to gain admission to universities.
As candidates began their exams, a wave of cultural traditions and community support unfolded, underscoring the emotional weight of the occasion.
Traditional attire featured prominently, with many parents, particularly mothers, opting to wear red cheongsams, or qipaos, symbolizing fortune and prosperity, as the color red is often associated with good luck in Chinese culture.
The sight of parents dressed in these garments paralleled the optimistic atmosphere surrounding this important academic transition.
In cities such as Suqian, Jiangsu, parents held sunflowers as a gesture of encouragement.
The term "sunflower" phonetically corresponds to "ranking top" in Chinese, reflecting parents' aspirations for their children to excel.
Acts of solidarity and support were evident throughout examination centers.
For example, in Hezhou, Guangxi, high school teachers shared blessings with their students via banner displays, fostering a sense of community encouragement.
Similarly, in locations such as Binzhou, Shandong, high-fives were exchanged between teachers and students after the conclusion of the first exam session, exemplifying camaraderie and shared journey.
Logistical support was also evident; in Zaozhuang, Shandong, police responded promptly to assist a student who had forgotten their resident ID card by issuing a temporary document, ensuring that the oversight did not hinder the individual's ability to participate in the exams.
Some students opted for personal tokens of good luck, as seen in Jinhua, Zhejiang, where one candidate was seen with red ribbons in her hair, embodying custom practices aimed at fostering confidence during the examinations.
As candidates exited examination rooms, the atmosphere was filled with anxiety mingled with hope.
The gaokao remains a pivotal event not only for the students who take it but also for their families and educators, marking a significant collective moment in the education system of China.
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