On June 9, with the ringing of the bell signaling the end of the final exam, the 2025 National College Entrance Examination (Gaokao) officially concluded. Outside the exam sites, “cheering squads” of students’ families holding flowers and raising banners of blessings eagerly awaited. Amid widespread attention, the candidates walked out of the exam rooms one after another with smiles on their faces.

At the gate of Hefei No. 8 High School after the exam, students run towards their waiting families (Photo by Liu Yucai)

With the exam over, a new journey is about to begin. Some students plan to learn new skills during the holiday, others are preparing for long-awaited trips, and some have already begun to look forward to university life. This “life’s big test,” carrying countless dreams, has come to an end, and a brand new chapter belonging to them is slowly unfolding.

Families waiting outside the No. 8 High School exam site (Photo by Fu Xiuyun)

After the exam, families greet students with warm blessings (Photo by Liu Yucai)

On June 9, outside the Hefei No. 1 High School exam site, a mother welcomes her “princess” with her whole family — Happy Graduation! (Photo by Zhu Xiaotong)

At 3:45 PM, after all exams finished at Hefei No. 7 High School exam site, families waited outside holding umbrellas and flowers to welcome the students (Photo by Xu Huidong)

On June 9, outside Hefei No. 1 High School exam site, parents hold up signs waiting for their “Broccoli Princess” to return triumphantly (Photo by Zhu Xiaotong)

At 12:15 PM on June 9, at the exam site of Hefei General Technical School, students walked out one after another. Parents outside the school gate held bouquets and gifts to welcome their children (Photos by Ang Weiming and Ding Yongle)

Source: anhuinews.com