Life in Chinese Middle Schools | Student Life in China

Jun 1, 2025

Students in Chinese middle school classroom during class activities – daily life and education in Chinese middle schools

What Life Is Like in Chinese Middle Schools | Student Life and School Facts

Chinese students are known for excelling in exams. The most important exam for senior middle school students is 高考 (gāo kǎo) – the college entrance exam that determines university admission based on scores. Most Chinese middle school students study hard aiming to enter top universities. This makes academic performance a key focus.

If you want to understand what it is like to study in a Chinese middle school, here are five interesting facts about middle schools in China education system, student life, exam preparation, school culture, and study habits of Chinese students.

1. Daily Routine

Chinese middle school students following daily routine with morning classes and group study – student life in China

Chinese middle school students start classes at 8 AM and finish around 4 or 5 PM. They attend seven to eight 40-minute classes each day with short breaks between. Classes cover key subjects like mathematics, English, physics. Students are expected to fully focus during lessons and may be called to answer questions.

Any student with poor school performance might face classmate prejudice. Teachers actively communicate with parents to support and improve student learning abilities. This structured daily routine in Chinese middle schools reflects the strong emphasis on academic discipline and success.

2. Homework

Chinese middle school student doing homework after school – academic pressure and study routine in China

Chinese middle school students face a heavy load of daily homework across multiple subjects. Effective time management for homework is essential to improve learning efficiency. Many diligent students finish some homework during lunch breaks and do extra reading in the evening.

In preparation for the important 高考 (gāo kǎo), college entrance exam, most schools use a cramming teaching style. This involves completing numerous exam, practice questions and working on mock exam papers to strengthen subject knowledge. The focus on homework reflects the intense academic pressure in Chinese middle school education.

3. Lunch Break

Chinese middle school students having lunch in school canteen during lunch break – student life and daily routine in China

Most Chinese middle schools have a canteen on campus, so students don’t need to leave for lunch. During the one-hour lunch break, many students take a nap to recharge, while others prefer to take a walk around the school. When an exam follows the lunch break, students often start preparing early to focus on the afternoon exam session.

The lunch break is an important part of the daily routine in Chinese middle schools helping students balance rest and study.

4. After-School Tutoring

Chinese middle school students attending after school tutoring session – extra classes and academic pressure in China

In China, strong academic performance in all compulsory subjects is essential for entering a prestigious university. Some students excel in arts subjects but struggle with science subjects. To support them, many schools offer after-school tutoring sessions held weekly. These extra classes help students overcome learning difficulties and improve their overall academic results. After-school tutoring is a common practice in Chinese middle schools to boost student success.

5. Romantic Relationship? No!

Chinese middle school students talking and building friendships during break time – student relationships and social life in China

In China, middle school students are generally discouraged from having romantic relationships. Most Chinese school teachers believe that dating can negatively affect students’ academic performance and focus. Teachers emphasize that students should concentrate fully on studying and preparing for the college entrance exam (高考). Avoiding distractions like romantic relationships is seen as crucial for achieving high exam scores and academic success in Chinese middle schools.

FAQ: What Is Life Like in Chinese Middle Schools?

01. What is the school schedule like in Chinese middle schools?

Chinese middle school students usually start classes around 7:30 AM and finish by 5 PM or later. Many schools also have evening self-study sessions.
Lunch breaks are longer than in many Western schools and students often eat in school canteens or go home if they live nearby.

02. How much homework do students get in Chinese middle schools?

Homework is a big part of middle school life in China. Students often have 2 to 4 hours of homework each night. Subjects include Chinese Math English and other core subjects. Test preparation is also emphasized especially in ninth grade.

03. Do Chinese middle schools have extracurricular activities?

Yes, but academic performance usually takes priority. Many students join clubs like calligraphy, music, art or sports. However, these are often limited by time since study takes up most of the day. Public speaking contests, science fairs and group performances are also common.

04. What subjects are taught in Chinese middle schools?

Chinese middle school curriculum includes Chinese, Math, English, Physics, Chemistry, History, Politics Geography, PE and Music. English is taught from a young age, so most students are familiar with it by middle school. Moral education and political education are also standard parts of the curriculum.

05. What is student life like in Chinese middle schools?

Student life is highly structured and competitive. Discipline is strict and academic pressure is high especially as students prepare for the high school entrance exam known as Zhongkao. Uniforms are common and students are expected to be respectful and obedient in class. Friendships are strong and classmates often study and eat together.

06. Are Chinese middle schools public or private?

Most Chinese middle schools are public and funded by the government. Private schools do exist and are often bilingual or international, but they are more expensive and cater to specific needs like expat families or high-income local families.