Graduates in Hohhot, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, hug each other and excitedly pose for photos with their parents after completing the gaokao on June 8. The gaokao, also known as the National College Entrance Exam, is considered to have the potential to change a person's life. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Hohhot students are photographed after the gaokao exam, June 8. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Hohhot students pose for photos with their parents after the gaokao exam, June 8. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A student, holding a bouquet, poses for pictures on June 8. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]