Millions of Chinese students start exams in biggest 'gaokao' ever

On Friday, a total of 13.42 million people across China began participating in this year's college entrance test, known as the gaokao.

This number is a record high since matriculation resumed in China in 1977, and marks an increase of 510,000 students compared to last year, the Ministry of Education revealed. The exam is considered crucial for young Chinese people, with results determining their university admissions and even shaping their career prospects.