A total of 9.4 million registered Chinese students have entered the arena of the Gaokao, or the annual national college entrance examination, on Wednesday, to compete for a chance of receiving higher education and embracing a promising future.

The exam, which usually lasts two to three days depending on different regions, is a test for the students' past 12 years of studies, and is highly valued by the country. 

Media and parents gather outside an examination spot in Changsha, Hunan Province. /VCG Photo

In most Chinese cities, a coordination of different governmental departments was launched to ensure the order during the time. Traffic controls have been imposed in many areas, in order to secure the smooth arrival of the examinees. Construction sites and square dances were forbidden so as to prevent noises. Even vehicles and police patrols down the street were required to keep mute.

In Beijing, most of the large-scale activities and conferences were halted and some bus routes were temporarily diverted to avoid disruption as much as possible for the Gaokao.

Why is the Gaokao so important to the Chinese?

But one may wonder how come one exam is so important to a country with 1.3 billion population that the whole society comes to a standstill for it annually?

Police place board reminding traffic control in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. /VCG Photo

For most Chinese students, the Gaokao is usually called "a threshold in their destiny." A high or low mark will determine whether a student has the chance to receive higher education, and even determine their future status and opportunities in the society. 

In recent years, there have been debates on whether Gaokao still remains as important as before in elevating one's social status or changing one's life. The society grows increasingly diversified, and so does its demands for talents. Meanwhile, many students prefer to study abroad instead of taking the Gaokao.

Students receive inspection before entering examination spot. /VCG Photo

However, all debates ended in one conclusion: the Gaokao remains the only fair way of talents election for most Chinese.

Earlier this year, a report of Zhang Juncheng, the first security staff member of Peking University who successfully got enrolled by the university, has attracted wide online attentions. He now works as the headmaster of a vocational school, and was hailed as a hero who changed his destiny through the Gaokao.

Zhang told media that he considered himself a manifestation of "changing life with knowledge."

The country has been taking measures and reforms to improve the fairness of the Gaokao. The examination paper are transported and guarded by armed escorts, and will be placed in storerooms under 24-hour monitoring. 

Students prepare for Gaokao. /VCG Photo

Meanwhile, in 2015, an amendment to the Criminal Law has been officially included cheating in important exams such as the Gaokao. Those found cheating in the exam could face up to seven years of imprisonment. 

Gaokao: an exam under never-ending reform

This year's Gaokao marked the 40th after the exam was resumed from disruption of the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). 

During the past 40 years, the format of the Gaokao has gone through numerous reforms. This year, most of the Chinese areas will use the same standardized exam paper, with only Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai and Jiangsu still using their independent test paper. Zhejiang, Shandong and Hainan provinces will keep part of their test paper with independent contents.

CGTN Photo‍

Besides, the previous category of sciences and arts were canceled. Instead, most students were able to choose their own favorite lessons aside from the three compulsory subjects: Chinese, mathematics and English (or other foreign language in some areas).‍

Forty years ago, when the Gaokao was resumed, with 5.7 million students sitting the exam, only 237,000 of them were lucky enough to get enrolled. Today, among the 9.4 million examinees, about 3.72 million are expected to enter the college this fall. And by 2020, 50 percent of Gaokao entrants will find places at college.

Important as it is, the Gaokao is only one's first of numerous encounters with a "fate pass" in the life. While getting everything ready beforehand, the examinees as well as the parents were suggested to have a relaxed attitude towards it. 

How difficult is the Gaokao?

The Gaokao is regarded by many as the world's toughest exam. Of the 9.4 million students registered to sit the test, only around 3.72 million will land college places. But could you handle the pressure and sit the exam yourself? Have a go at these sample questions! 

CGTN Photo