As the summer holidays near a close, parents and children are seizing the last chance to visit China's top universities. Such visits have become insanely popular and these campus visits are now quite the effort -- tourists have to line up for hours to get in. But what's behind the spike in popularity? We took a tour at Beijing's renowned Peking University to find out.

 

10 am on a Friday. So early in the day, yet the line outside Peking University's northeast gate already stretches for a thousand meters! Most of these early birds are Chinese families from all over the country. Despite the long wait, they share a common goal: ensuring their children have access to China's top universities.

 

For Liao Jilong and his family, this is the second time standing in the long line. When the family showed up a day earlier, in the afternoon, it was too late. But this time, after lining up for two hours, they made it in.

 

LIAO JILONG TOURIST FROM SHENZHEN "We came from Shenzhen in south China. We want to make the best use of our summer vacation and bring the kids here. This could help cultivate their aspirations starting at a very young age."

 

University campuses are not well equipped to receive tens of thousands of tourists at once. As such, they have to set certain controls for both individual and package tours. Summer rain doesn't stop tourists like Liao on their university pilgrimages. They are guided by a student volunteer from Peking University. Walking along the Weiming Lake, catching a glimpse of the Boya tower, taking a deep breath in the air surrounded by top students. These scenic spots mean a lot for aspiring parents and children.

 

LIU DINGNING TOURIST FROM JILIN "People here are saying that if you touch the stone-made fish on the Weiming lake. You could get full scores in exams. I love Peking University."

 

But what makes the two-hour walking tour so unique for Chinese parents?  WANG YAN, DIRECTOR DEPT. FOR INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES "As Chinese saying goes, these parents expect boys to be dragon and girls to be phoenix in the future. People believe that hard work will pay off. So parents would try their very best when their children were young to help foster their aspirations."

 

Just walking around the campus does not guarantee the kids an admission. However, these tours indeed make both the parents and their children feel one step closer to their dream school.

 

LIAO JILONG TOURIST FROM SHENZHEN "I feel Peking University is really worth visiting despite the long waits. Although I did not have a chance to study here, I still hope that my children can work hard and be admitted one day."

 

LIAO JINPENG TOURIST FROM SHENZHEN "I love Weiming lake the best. I enjoy the beautiful landscape and the fresh air. I believe I can make it to study here, for sure!" Natasha Hussein, CGTN.