The Gaokao, offered only once a year, is a life-changing exam in China. This year, nearly 11 million students are registered, and the exam is a bit different than usual because of the pandemic. It's been pushed back by a month.  And for the first time ever, students are required to have their temperatures checked before entering the exam venues and wear masks. And perhaps even more anxious than the test takers are their parents.

One parent in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan province said: "Students were not allowed to leave the city during the holiday before the exam. And in the past two weeks, they rehearsed a few times. They know exactly the process of entering the exam venue. I think it's good."

Another parent from Zhengzhou said: "I'm wearing Qipao, a traditional Chinese dress. It's become a symbol of winning a fast success. I hope that will bring good luck to my child." 

Two weeks before the exam, the health status of the proctors and test takers was strictly monitored. They were required to report their temperatures and travel history every day.   

All the venues have set up at least two backup exam rooms in case of emergency. Each venue is staffed with medics from the city health commission. 

If a student shows symptoms of a fever or has a severe cough, they will be evaluated by the medical staff, and then transferred to the backup rooms to finish the exam. 

Huang Yujie, Vice Principal of Zhengzhou No. 12 High School said:"We have prepared masks and disinfectants for all the students and proctors. One day before the exam, we disinfected the whole school again, and inspected our temperature measuring facilities." 

A traffic policeman said: "One of our jobs this year is to help the students maintain a distance of at least one meter between them while waiting in line to enter, so overcrowding can be avoided."

The Ministry of Education says 400,000 more students are taking the exam this year than 2019.   

For the past six months, the students mostly studied online. And the coronavirus outbreak has brought them additional stress and uncertainty. 

But they've all made to finish line, to prepare for one of the most important exams in their lives.