Yu Hua, writer
Yu Hua took the gaokao in 1977, when China resumed the exam a year after the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). He didn't expect he would fail. After he failed, he studied medicine for a year and became a rural dentist. Later he decided to change his fate and began writing novels, some of which became famous such as To Live and Brothers.
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| File photo of Yu Hua, June 22, 2011. [Photo/CFP] | 
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| Famous historical figures who failed 'gaokao' | China's ancient gaokao system | 
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