(Yicai Global) July 7 – Some 10.7 million youthful candidates all across China are undergoing a grueling rite of passage today as this year's college entrance examination, commonly known as the ‘Gaokao,' kicked off today.

This is the largest collective event nationwide since the outbreak of Covid-19, according to the country’s education ministry, with over 7,000 test centers, 400,000 test rooms and 94,5000 people responsible for proctoring and other exam-related affairs.

To prevent the pandemic's spread, exam chambers have strict disinfection and various other contagion prevention measures in place, with masks worn throughout a must for candidates from mid- and high-risk areas.

Donning a mask is obligatory for test-takers entering an examination hall.

The first test candidates must pass is a temperature check.

Police help a disabled testee enter an exam site in the Northeast China city of Changchun.

Candidates encourage each other in a test center in the Southwest Chinese city of Chongqing.

Mothers dressed in beautiful cheongsams for good luck await the return of their offspring from the exacting ordeal.

Editors: Tang Shihua, Ben Armour

Photo Creditor: Ren Yuming