Security personnel guide people outside a ‘gaokao’ test venue in Zhengzhou, Central China’s Henan province, on Wednesday. A record 12.91 million candidates are set to take the national college entrance examination starting that day. Photo: Chen Liang/Caixin

A student hugs her teacher before heading to the test venue at the High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China in Beijing. Photo: Zheng Xinqia, intern reporter/Caixin

Students review their notes outside the High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Photo: Zheng Xinqia, intern reporter/Caixin

Students put aside their personnel belongings before entering the test venue in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Southwest China’s Yunnan province. Photo: Ding Gang/Caixin

A parent hands glasses to his daughter through a closed gate outside Henan Experimental Middle School in Zhengzhou. Photo: Chen Liang/Caixin

People cheer on their students inside Henan Experimental Middle School as the exam candidates enter the test venue. Photo: Chen Liang/Caixin

A parent studies for his own vocational test, while waiting outside the ‘gaokao’ venue. Photo: Chen Liang/Caixin

A parent waves in the direction of the test-takers entering the High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China in Beijing. Photo: Zheng Xinqia, intern reporter/Caixin

A parent wears a T-shirt with an image of a bubble sheet and the words “All Correct” outside the Beijing Zhongguancun High School testing point. Photo: Li Congxun, intern reporter/Caixin