Three-Day Gaokao Begins in Shanghai Amid Warm Wishes

More than 66,000 senior high school students in Shanghai kicked off their three-day gaokao – China's national college entrance examination – on Sunday morning.

According to the Ministry of Education, a total of around 12.9 million candidates across the country are taking this year's exam, which ranks among the most pivotal tests in China.

Outside Shanghai Qibao High School, parents and teachers turned out in red to cheer on the examinees and send their best wishes for a smooth start. This has become a well-loved unofficial tradition marking the beginning of the gaokao each year.

Over 3,800 police officers have been dispatched to more than 180 exam venues to safeguard a smooth testing experience for all candidates.