A diary on the gaokao battlefield Xu Huan, 19, a senior at Ningxia University Affiliated High School, recites classics in Yinchuan, capita...

A diary on the gaokao battlefield

Xu Huan, 19, a senior at Ningxia University Affiliated High School, recites classics in Yinchuan, capital of North China’s Ningxia Hui autonomous region, May 22, 2012. Xu, hailed from the countryside, is among the 9 million seniors striving hard to get through the nation’s make-or-break national college entrance exam, or gaokao, as the test is known.[Photo / Xinhua]

Xu Huan studies hard while eating in Yinchuan, capital of North China’s Ningxia Hui autonomous region, May 22, 2012. “To most students from the countryside, English is the toughest. That’s why I have to spend extra time reciting English words,” Xu said.[Photo / Xinhua]

Xu Huan recites English words after dinner at school in Yinchuan, capital of North China’s Ningxia Hui autonomous region, May 22, 2012. Thanks to his hard work, he now ranks top five in class. [Photo / Xinhua]

After a chat with his roommate, Xu Huan (left below) has to hurry back to the study room, in Yinchuan, capital of North China’s Ningxia Hui autonomous region, May 22, 2012. To continue reading after the study room is closed, Xu strolls along the corridor for some light. “Exams are coming, and we have to seize every minute. Some of us are studying overnight in these days,” Xu said. [Photo / Xinhua]

Xu Huan (second on the right) and his classmates study hard at their dorm in Yinchuan, capital of North China’s Ningxia Hui autonomous region, May 22, 2012. With the exam just about 10 days away, “I feel calm now. I’m hoping I can do my best,” Xu says. [Photo / Xinhua]

Xu, hailed from the countryside, is among the 9 million seniors striving hard to get through the nation’s make-or-break national college entrance exam, or gaokao, as the test is known.