The national college entrance exam, or gaokao, got underway on Sunday with millions of Chinese students appearing for it, while their parents gathered outside examination venues in quiet support. 2026 年全國普通高等學校招生統一考試（高考）於上週日正式開考，數百萬考生走入考場，家長們則守候在考點外，默默陪伴。 Rather than being fretful and anxious, most parents were the very picture of calm — a sure sign that the long-held belief that the gaokao alone determines a child's future is becoming history. 大多數家長並未焦躁不安，反而神態從容。這也意味著，“高考決定一生” 這一傳統觀念正逐漸成為過去。 A total of 12.9 million candidates are taking this year's exam, which can stretch over two to four days, depending on the region. According to the Ministry of Education, authorities have put candidates first by strengthening comprehensive support in transportation, accommodation, food safety, noise control and psychological counseling, to ensure a safe and orderly exam process. 今年全國高考...