Chinese education system

The Chinese education system is structured into several stages: six years of primary school, three years of junior secondary school, and three years of senior secondary school, followed by higher education such as university. Education is highly centralized, with a strong emphasis on exams, especially the gaokao, the national college entrance exam. This exam plays a crucial role in determining students’ academic and career paths. The system prioritizes rigorous curriculum, rote memorization, and discipline. In recent years, reforms aim to promote creativity and holistic development, balancing traditional academic rigor with newer educational approaches.