Tough regime cranks out test winners

High school's intense training program yields many high-score students, but stifles creativity, report Hou Liqiang and Zhang Yu inHengshui, Hebei province

It's make-or-break time for millions of high school students in China.

Saturday morning signals the start of two days of grueling activity, both mental and physical, as students take the national university entrance exam known as gaokao. Because success in the exam can open the door to a well-paid job and high social standing, the pressure on the students can be overwhelming.