Of all of us who are working or taking a vacation this hot summer, the most relaxed are perhaps high school graduates who have just bid farewell to three years of hard work studying for the National College Entrance Exam (NCEE, also known as gaokao).

With gaokao having wrapped up in early June, the three months could be the longest vacation and most leisurely time the grads can enjoy. While anticipating an exciting college life ahead, how do these youngsters spend their vacation?

“This is a lifetime experience for me,” said Jiang Shan, a graduate of Shenzhen Experimental School. “I will put my books away and pursue my passion projects in this summer.”

Jiang, who had dreamed of being a race car driver in childhood, enrolled himself in a driving training program the day gaokao concluded. In the past month, he spent most of his time practicing driving. “I take to driving quickly and expect to get my driver’s license soon,” he said.

Liu Xiaoyu, who was lucky enough to be accepted by Tsinghua University, said she is trying to improve herself in many ways and coming to terms with her imperfections. “I was not a top student, but was lucky to have performed well in gaokao,” she said.

Yuan Ziqing of Shenzhen Middle School spent the past month reading “The Stranger” by Albert Camus. “I am a fan of mysteries and feel close to the protagonist in this book,” she said.

Many also chose to preview what they are going to learn in college.

Zhang Ming, who will go to Fudan University in September, chose to learn English. “I learn some new words each day and sometimes listen to audible books. I hope to participate in student exchange programs in a foreign country when the opportunity comes,” she said.

Exercising is also an indispensable part of summer vacation for many. Liu would practice pilates, Xu Zihan of Shenzhen Middle School does cycling and plays badminton with friends, and Jiang trains in the gym three times a week.

Liu has also arranged for a tour around China in August. She will visit relatives and friends of her family who have supported and encouraged her all along.

Most Chinese students have to devote all their time to academic learning in the three years of senior high school, and give up their passions or hobbies.

Jiang, a fan of calligraphy, chose to brush up on his handwriting this summer. Liu and Yuan said they will spend time playing the piano, a hobby they had pursued since childhood.

Contrary to the stereotype that high school graduates will go on a gaming spree or indulge themselves in other forms of entertainment, some of Shenzhen’s top students have chosen to lead a healthy life and keep learning and improving themselves during the vacation.

“I feel that this summer vacation is especially long and fulfilling,” Liu said.

(Li Dan)