Path to stardom starts with an exam

Thousands of young people apply to China's art college every year in the hope of learning how to become actors, musicians, dancers and painters. About nine million youngsters take the national college entrance exam - known as the gaokao - every year and an estimated 10 percent apply for places at art college. Pictured is a selection of the faces and scenes spotted outside colleges and during the gruelling entrance exams. Zheng Tao / for China Daily