Pilot program bypasses high school entrance exam

What this episode covers

For students in China, the high-pressure race toward the "Zhongkao" defines their early youth. Now, a pilot program in Chengdu is eliminating this decisive high school entrance exam for some students. The radical move promises relief from an immense academic burden, aiming to give students back their childhoods. Yet without this single, universal benchmark, some wonder if the path to a bright future has become clearer or far more uncertain. On the show: Steve, Yushun & Xingyu

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Round Table China?

This episode is 28 minutes long.

When was this Round Table China episode published?

This episode was published on November 4, 2025.

What is this episode about?

For students in China, the high-pressure race toward the "Zhongkao" defines their early youth. Now, a pilot program in Chengdu is eliminating this decisive high school entrance exam for some students. The radical move promises relief from an immense...

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