In June, the land of Wuxi is lush with greenery and vibrant with youthful energy. At 18:15 on June 9, as the bell rang, signaling the end of the biology exam, the 2026 college entrance examination in Huaihua came to a smooth conclusion. Across the city, 29,000 candidates, after three days of hard work at 19 test centers across 14 examination districts, completed this rite of passage in their youth.
Guarantee: Compassionate Support Makes June Shine Brighter
Gaokao touches countless families and bears the promise of the city’s tomorrow and future. Prior to the exams, Huaihua gave top priority to ensuring a smooth testing environment, firmly upholding an examinee-first philosophy. By actively coordinating resources from all sectors, the city provided comprehensive, people-centered support services for its candidates.
Special attention was given to students with specific needs. The city gathered detailed information about candidates with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or temporary injuries, and accordingly developed personalized accommodation plans well in advance. By adopting a "tailored strategy for each individual" approach, the city ensured no candidate was left behind.
"Lost ID cards," "medical emergencies," "wrong exam venues"... Throughout the Gaokao period, a range of city departments—including the Municipal Education Bureau, Public Security Bureau, Transportation Bureau, Health Commission, Meteorological Bureau, Market Supervision Administration, and Environmental Protection Bureau—jointly issued initiatives in support of the exams. They were with the city's candidates throughout these exams. They proactively coordinated with exam venues to carry out joint operations such as targeted environmental remediation around test sites, food safety inspections, and noise control measures ahead of time.
Meanwhile, volunteering associations and other public welfare organizations carried out extensive activities including escorting candidates to exams and maintaining traffic order. Residential communities and neighborhoods voluntarily suspended renovation work, turned off lighting in public activity areas, and reserved parking spaces for families sending students to exams—all contributing to safeguarding the dreams of the young candidates.
"Don't worry, leave it to us." one motorcycle officer said. On the morning of June 9, outside the Huaihua No. 3 High School exam venue, a parent realized their child's ID card had been left behind. With the help of the officer from the Mobile Duty Brigade of the Public Security Bureau's Traffic Management Detachment, the ID card was smoothly delivered to the student at the Hutian Middle School exam venue.
To ensure a smooth, safe, and orderly Gaokao, Shi Dong, a police officer from the Mobile Duty Brigade of the Public Security Bureau's Traffic Management Detachment, told reporters that for the four exam venues within their jurisdiction, the brigade leader took the lead while deputy leaders commanded on-site. Parking spaces were reserved in advance for vehicles transporting candidates at each venue, and three motorcycle officers were deployed at every site to respond immediately to emergency requests such as forgotten IDs, wrong exam venues, or traffic disruptions. Additionally, five officers were assigned to maintain order on the ground.
On June 7 and 8, heavy rain poured down over Huaihua. At major intersections and exam venues, some police officers went barefoot to direct traffic, volunteers held umbrellas in relay to escort students to their exam buses, kind-hearted individuals prepared exam supplies at their own expense for any last-minute needs, and parents stood silently outside the venues, keeping watch. On this battlefield of youth, these heartwarming stories hidden behind admission tickets infused the month of June with a palpable warmth.
Setting Sail Toward a Bright Future
Year after year, Gaokao marks a journey of dream pursuit. Having set down the weight of three intense days, the candidates emerged with relaxed expressions and light steps. Walking out of the exam halls, they were greeted by fragrant bouquets, warm embraces, and heartfelt wishes.
“I plan to get the driver's license—learn a useful skill. Then I'll travel to Beijing to experience the profound history and enduring spirit of the Chinese nation,"said Zhang Rongxin, a candidate. When asked about her post-exam plans,she said that her thoughts already clearly mapped out.
As for summer vacation plans, another candidate, Zhang Minyang, set a clear goal: losing weight. "I weigh 90 kilos now. I hope to get down to 60 kilos before military training starts in college."
Outside the exam venues, parents' eyes carried blessings far deeper than test scores. "Our child worked so hard before the Gaokao. After it's over, we plan to start by fulfilling his wish for a new phone," Liu Haiyan said and smiled. She hopes her child can enjoy a happy holiday and successfully realize his dream of entering a military or police academy.
"Watching our child grind through practice papers day after day broke our hearts, but also filled us with pride," said Zhang Zaihai and Li Meihua. The couple told reporters that during the exam period, they had booked a nearby hotel room for their child and carefully prepared nutritious meals every day, hoping she would pass this youthful trial and gain admission to a normal university.
Even more touching was the passing of the baton of youth. Outside the Huaihua No. 3 High School exam venue, Kang Lili, a Grade 10 student from Huaitie No. 1 High School, insisted on waiting outside to accompany her older brother and soak in the Gaokao atmosphere ahead of time. "Gaokao feels so intense—I saw so many people crying after it ended,"she said. In her eyes, if her brother wants to fulfill his dream of entering a military or police academy, he will need to work even harder.
As the final bell fades, youth presses on. With the last answer submitted, a new journey begins. May every candidate shine on the honor roll and step boldly toward a bright future.
(Translated by Feng Tao)