The year 1977 is unforgettable for many Chinese people - it was the year when the national college entrance examination was resumed after being abolished for 11 years during the "cultural revolution" (1966-76). More than five million Chinese people aged from 15 to 36 sat the exam that year. It changed the lives of many who went on to achieve greatness in various fields.

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Fu Jun, Head of Physics Department of Hainan Normal College，who took part in the 1977 College Entrance Exam

Today, even in the most remote places, children can realize their dreams and live the life they choose. In 1997, ten years of the first entrance exam, the Chinese government passed its compulsory education law, and so doing implemented 9 years of compulsory of education.

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Duoji, Tibetan Student who enjoys the 9 years compulsory education

Now as people can freely travel overseas as study at western universities, coming back to China, they get to share their much-needed skills and experience. These enrichments as well as understanding of western culture has proved invaluable in local business and international scene.

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Wang Jian, Chairman of Focused Photonecs, Inc.

There are those who are not lucky enough to receive graduate degrees. Many disadvantaged people, e.g., migrant workers, who make the big move to the city, only have a middle school education. These people are learning how to self-study so that they can improve their lots in life.

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Fang Qingxia, Employee of China Migrant Women Organization

Director: Haiyang Jiang
Release Date: 3 April 2008
Genre: Drama
Cast:Xuebing Wang, Haiying Sun, Xianxin Zhou

Plot: Against a backdrop of the cold wilderness of northeastern China´s Heilongjiang Province in the 1970s, the film highlights the struggles and pursuit of many ´Zhiqing´, literally the educated young people sent to the countryside for re-education during the Cultural Revolution that broke out in 1966. It follows their desperate efforts to escape and return to schooling in urban cities through Gaokao, the first examination system restored in 1977, after its abolishment in 1966.

Long and winding road to class for children in Xinjiang

Development of Tibetan educational system

Crossover: Studying in other countries

Overseas Chinese Students

Foreign students in China

China Insight 3-part Series- Migrant Workers