China's Annual Gaokao Kicks Off Nationwide
On June 7, 2026, more than 12.9 million students across China began sitting for the National College Entrance Examination, commonly known as the Gaokao. This multi-day assessment represents one of the largest coordinated testing events in the world, drawing participants from every province and region. The exam period typically spans two to four days depending on the subjects selected and the provincial schedule, with many areas concluding sessions by June 9.
Authorities reported the establishment of 7,981 testing centers and approximately 348,000 examination rooms to accommodate the candidates. Measures such as rerouted buses, silenced construction, and designated quiet zones around sites helped maintain a focused environment during the testing window.
Record Participation and National Scale
The 12.9 million registrants mark a slight decline from the previous year's figure but still highlight the exam's enduring role in Chinese society. Participation includes both recent high school graduates and social candidates who meet equivalent academic qualifications. Provinces like Yunnan reported over 377,900 candidates, while smaller locales such as Datong in Shanxi had around 22,345 examinees.
Logistical coordination involves the Ministry of Education overseeing uniform standards while allowing regional variations in subject combinations. In provinces using the "3+1+2" mode, students complete core subjects alongside selected electives, extending some schedules into early June 10.
Daily Schedule and Subject Breakdown
The first day featured Chinese language and mathematics examinations. Subsequent days covered English, along with combinations of physics, history, chemistry, biology, geography, and ideological and political education, varying by province and student track. Sessions generally run in morning and afternoon blocks, with strict timing enforced across all sites.
Examinees in Shenzhen, for example, accessed 85 dedicated sites serving roughly 83,000 candidates. Similar setups nationwide ensured accessibility, with backup rooms prepared for contingencies.
Cultural Traditions and Community Support
Parents often gather outside testing centers wearing traditional qipao dresses, a practice symbolizing auspicious beginnings. In Beijing, teachers lined up to offer hugs and high-fives to arriving students, while parents waited in shaded areas equipped for comfort during breaks.
Communities across the country observe the period with heightened attention, from local media coverage to public well-wishes shared on social platforms. Moments of encouragement, such as a mother kissing her daughter before entry, captured widespread attention.
Security and Environmental Preparations
Local governments implement noise-reduction protocols, including traffic adjustments and pauses in nearby construction. Wind-and-rain-proof corridors and rest lounges with over 1,000 seats appeared at select Beijing sites to support candidate well-being between sessions.
These arrangements reflect ongoing efforts to create equitable conditions amid varying weather and urban settings.
Photo by Ruth Enyedi on Unsplash
Historical Context and Evolution
The Gaokao traces its modern form to its reinstatement in 1977 following an 11-year suspension. Early participants, including those who had waited years for the opportunity, recall the excitement of that first restored exam. Over decades, question content has shifted from production-focused topics to assessments emphasizing observation, practical problem-solving, and real-life application.
Today, the exam continues to adapt, incorporating elements that evaluate critical thinking alongside foundational knowledge.
Student Experiences and Challenges
Candidates describe the pressure of the multi-day format, with some noting particularly demanding sections in subjects like history or mathematics. Online discussions highlighted specific problems that challenged even experienced educators, underscoring the exam's rigor.
Personal stories range from meticulous preparation routines to the emotional support provided by families and teachers throughout the process.
Societal Resonance and Public Attention
The Gaokao draws national focus each June, with media outlets and citizens following developments in real time. Hashtags and shared images of exam sites illustrate the collective investment in the event. Discussions often center on fairness, preparation strategies, and the personal growth associated with the experience.
Public sentiment frequently includes messages of encouragement for all participants, regardless of individual outcomes.
Regional Variations Across China
While core elements remain consistent, provincial differences appear in exam duration and elective options. Areas in the "3+1+2" system extend testing slightly longer for some students. Local reports from places like Jiangxi and Guangdong detail tailored arrangements, from site numbers to candidate support services.
These adaptations ensure the process aligns with regional educational frameworks while maintaining national standards.
Looking Ahead After the Exam Period
Following the conclusion of testing sessions, attention turns to scoring and result announcements in coming weeks. The event underscores a broader societal emphasis on knowledge and diligence, with many reflecting on the journey rather than solely the final scores.
Observers note the exam's role in fostering resilience and adaptability among participants.
Photo by Qihai Weng on Unsplash
Broader Impacts on Daily Life
During the exam window, cities experience subtle shifts, from altered traffic patterns to heightened security presence. Families and communities coordinate around the schedule, creating a temporary national rhythm centered on the testing period.
This synchronization highlights the exam's integration into the fabric of contemporary Chinese life.
