A decrease in the number of reported COVID-19 cases in Shanghai made it possible for Gaokao exams to go ahead safely. Back in July, approximately 50,000 students sat the 2020 Gaokao in the city.

This episode of the Gaokao 2020 series, filmed by the British director Arthur Jones, focuses on one of Shanghai's top students in the days leading up to taking the crucial exam, recording his study regime, being interrupted by his sudden illness with a high fever, and taking the exam amid tight precautionary measures against COVID-19. This episode documents how he prepared for the Gaokao with the constant support by his family, as well as the society, during a time of rigorous precautionary measures adopted by Chinese society in a time of great challenge.