Chongqing- To arrange two more vacations for students apart from their winter and summer ones, to encourage them to explore nature and enjoy outdoor activities, is a proposal raised during the 5th session of the 5th Chongqing Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Yang Langlang, as a member of the Chongqing Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Consultative Conference and principal of Chongqing Renmin Primary School, submitted the Suggestion on Additional Spring and Autumn Vacations to the session.

Issues caused by peak travel period

Soon, Chongqing middle and primary school students will embrace the winter vacation. "Difficulties in buying tickets, congestion, and high costs brought by family trips concentrated during winter and summer vacations have still bothered the Chinese people," Yang said.

In 2019, nine national departments released opinions on improving the travel environment. It indicates that local governments can set time for winter and summer vacations in light of climate and environmental conditions, formulate measures for middle and primary schools to have spring or autumn vacations, and guide employees to take paid leaves during the most suitable travel seasons.

The policy of easing the burden of excessive homework and off-campus tutoring for compulsory students put new requirements for the comprehensive promotion of a well-rounded education. 

Spring and autumn vacations could be great opportunities for students to travel with their parents. That will facilitate the advancement of a well-rounded education, especially participating in labor education and close-to-nature activity. The scientific planning of holidays plays a positive role in developing students' physical and mental health.

Set Around Labor Day and National Day

According to the report, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province has taken the lead in piloting spring and autumn vacations in primary and secondary schools since 2014.

In terms of the best time to take spring and autumn vacations, Yang suggested arranging them around May 1st Labor Day, and Oct. 1st National Day, respectively. Three days could be taken from each winter and summer vacation and added to the spring and autumn vacations, respectively.

In this way, the total length of both the holidays and teaching period remains the same. More importantly, that facilitates students' travel to all parts of China and helps widen their horizons.

According to Yang's proposal, spring and autumn vacations are expected to alleviate the problems caused by peak period travel during winter and summer vacations and allow children to have more time for after-school activities.