From school economy to economic schooling

After spending handsomely to celebrate Spring Festival, Chinese couples are preparing to spend yet more extravagant amounts on their children's education at the beginning of the new semester.

Every year before the start of a new semester, prices of several learning devices and materials increase, even double. From digital watches and other fancy learning devices to stationery and books, some parents spend about 2,000 yuan ($291.4) on a child. Those parents who can afford them, and there are many who can, prefer to buy imported high-end study materials for their children that on average cost 1,000 yuan more than those made in China.

The choice of those parents is partly influenced by their belief that expensive learning materials are better quality, and thus can help their children edge ahead in the academic race.