On June 7, high school students in China reached for their pens as Day 1 of Gaokao 2025 kicked off, marking a moment of excitement, nerves and collective hope.
Red Threads of Luck
Families embraced tradition, donning red cheongsams (qipaos) as the word for this vibrant hue sounds like winning in Mandarin. Many students tied red ribbons in their hair, a simple yet powerful gesture for good fortune.
Sunflower Symbols
Bright sunflowers appeared in hands and classroomsâanother auspicious play on words. In Chinese, the flowerâs name evokes the idea of ranking top, reflecting parentsâ and studentsâ ambitious dreams.
Community in Action
Beyond cultural touches, solidarity shone through. Teachers and students exchanged high-fives as the first papers concluded, boosting morale in corridors buzzing with anticipation. When one candidate realized they left their ID behind, local police stepped inâissuing a temporary document within minutes to get them back on track.
As exams continue across the coming days, these snapshots of color, care and camaraderie underscore Gaokaoâs deeper role as a shared rite of passage that brings communities together in the pursuit of success and support.
Reference(s):
Gaokao 2025: China's national college entrance exams Day 1 highlights
cgtn.com
