Hunan high school seniors catch fish to beat gaokao stress-China Human Rights

The Minzu High School in Mayang Miao autonomous county, Huaihua, Hunan province, organized an unconventional stress-relief day for its final-year students ahead of the 2026 national college entrance exam, or gaokao. [Photo by Teng Shuming / for chinadaily.com.cn]

With the 2026 national college entrance exam, or gaokao, just weeks away, a high school in Central China's Hunan province organized an unconventional stress-relief day for its final-year students, featuring activities such as fish catching, tug-of-war, and horseback riding.

All graduating seniors at Minzu High School in Mayang Miao autonomous county, Huaihua, participated in the event, which was designed to help them unwind, alleviate stress and recharge before the most important exam of their school years.

The most popular activity was barehanded fish catching. Students rolled up their sleeves, stepped into a pool, and chased after fish in the splashing water, filling the air with laughter. This playful scene provided a rare respite from months of intense exam preparation.

A lively tug-of-war competition followed, fostering team spirit among the students. The horseback riding activity carried symbolic significance: In Chinese culture, the horse is associated with success, and the activity conveyed wishes of good luck for the students in the exam.

According to organizers, the activities were designed to help students release pent-up stress and approach the upcoming test with greater confidence and a lighter heart.

Hunan high school seniors catch fish to beat gaokao stress

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