China has built the world's largest basic education system with overall quality reaching the average level of high-income countries, according to the country's Ministry of Education.
The system comprises 430,000 kindergartens, primary, and secondary schools, serving 220 million students and employing 15.77 million full-time teachers.
Data further indicates that students' holistic development in moral, intellectual, physical, aesthetic, and labor education continues to improve.
The ministry reported that about 80 percent of students have met curriculum standards in basic subjects such as math, Chinese, English, and science, while 55 percent have achieved excellent or good levels, placing China among the world's leading education powers.
Meanwhile, the country has seen a steady rise in the proportion of students with strong national identity, national security awareness, recognition of traditional Chinese culture, and good behavioral habits.
With the fundamental goal of fostering virtue and cultivating talent, schools across the country have been integrating on-campus and off-campus educational environments to build a comprehensive ecosystem for students' development, the ministry also noted.
This summer, a variety of activities including revolutionary culture study tours, labor experiences, science and technology practices, and sports programs are enriching teenagers' holiday lives.
In recent years, schools have been implementing the "health first" strategy, requiring at least two hours of daily physical activity and a 15-minute break between classes.
"We strictly implement the requirement of two hours of physical exercise at school every day. Our break times are especially lively. In the corners of hallways and corridors, we have placed various balls, jump ropes and other sports equipment, so children can be active anytime. During the longer break, we organize school-wide basketball exercises and friendly competitions. Last year, our students' physical fitness rate reached 100 percent, and the good to excellent rate reached 92.4 percent," said Shi Guifang, secretary of the Party's General Branch of Pui Ching Primary School in Guangzhou City, south China's Guangdong Province.
China builds world's largest high-quality education system
China is welcoming an influx of international travelers this summer, drawn by its rich cultural offerings and streamlined customs clearance policies, as the country braces for peak tourist season.
Since the start of summer vacation, scenic spots across Guizhou Province, southwest China, have rolled out premium itineraries that are drawing large numbers of international tourists.
Attractions such as the Wumeng Grasslands, Yeyuhai, and Shuicheng Ancient Town in Guizhou have become popular destinations for international tourists during the summer season, offering leisure and cultural experiences.
"I chose this place for my summer vacation because it's not very hot. The weather is very cool and comfortable," said Max Slonim, a U.S. tourist.
In Shanghai, many foreign tourists visited the Yu Garden to explore classical garden architecture, sample local street food, and experience traditional Chinese culture.
Xiaolongbao (steamed buns), lotus root pastries, and Chinese teas have become must-try delicacies for them.
The Sinan Mansions complex hosts a signature farm market alongside performance stages, themed art exhibitions, and a summer greenhouse. Meanwhile, the Museum of Art Pudong has launched several artists' debut exhibitions in China, drawing art enthusiasts from around the world who make special trips to Shanghai.
"You can find something new and fresh in Shanghai as well and the museum here is very well," said a French tourist.
From traditional souvenirs like silk and tea to smart devices and tech products, with the promotion of tax-free shopping for outbound travelers and more convenient payment methods, an increasing number of foreign tourists are experiencing the convenience of shopping in China.
In the first half of this year, Beijing Customs processed over 110,000 tax refund applications for departing travelers, with the total value of refunded goods exceeding 900 million yuan (about 132.9 million U.S. dollars), up 567.7 percent and 49.67 percent year on year, respectively.
"We can also put the cards on your phone. So, it's easy and you don't have to worry about any extra change or anything. So, it's very straightforward," said Kimaya Nguyen, an overseas tourist.
In north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, international flights from Thailand, Malaysia, and other countries have been arriving one after another in recent days, with the number of overseas summer vacationers steadily increasing.
At Ordos Ejin Horo International Airport, inbound tourists are able to complete customs clearance quickly by submitting declarations online in advance.
With the extension of the China-Russia mutual visa-free arrangement, cross-border tourism continues to surge.
Inner Mongolia's Manzhouli Customs has implemented convenient measures such as appointment-based clearance and expedited inspections for group travelers, including study tours and one-day tour groups, to ensure smooth border clearance.
In the first half of this year, 341,400 passengers crossed the border via the Manzhouli land port, up 64.44 percent year on year.
China's cultural charm, scenic spots draw int'l tourists
