Chongqing - More than a month has passed since China's 2026 National College Entrance Examination, or Gaokao, concluded. As students across the country receive their university admission letters and prepare to begin university, one of the most significant stages of their academic journey has come to an end.

The Gaokao is one of China's most closely watched annual events. In 2026, 12.9 million students registered for the examination, which is widely regarded as an important gateway to higher education. For many families, it represents an opportunity to pursue further education and new possibilities for the future.

The documentary "Beyond the Gaokao: The Future Is Theirs to Write" revisits the journey from the first day of the examination through the release of results and university admission letters. Through interviews with students and parents, it captures the anticipation before the exams, the emotions after the final paper, and the reflections that follow once the results are announced.

Rather than focusing only on examination scores, the documentary highlights the experiences behind the Gaokao, including years of preparation, the support of families, and the resilience students develop along the way. It also reflects on how the examination marks the transition from high school to a new stage of life.

As a new academic year approaches, millions of young people across China are preparing to take their next steps. Their Gaokao journey has come to an end, but a new chapter is just beginning.