Some 340 thousand students are taking the college entrance exam in north China’s Shanxi Province. Over 300 exam sites are open across the province, with hundreds of special personnel standing by to provide assistance for the students.

Many compare the college entrance exams to a fierce battle. But the students are never alone on the battlefield. Outside the schools are their supportive parents, waiting for them to return.

Some parents look even more nervous and excited than their children.

The college entrance exam is known as the Gaokao in China. It’s said to be the most challenging exam that will determine the students’ future. Among this year’s 9.39 million students sitting the exams, nearly 7 million of them will be admitted to colleges.

Various departments, including traffic, medical, public security and fire fighting, are making efforts to ensure the exams go on without a hitch. CCTV’s Hu Chao reports from Taiyuan.

340,000 students take Gaokao in Shanxi Province

Some 340 thousand students are taking the college entrance exam in north China's Shanxi Province. Over 300 exam sites are open across the province, with hundreds of special personnel standing by to provide assistance for the students.