Tough measures to reduce distractions and to control cheating were taken in China this year as an estimated 8.67 million students sat college entrance examinations - 1.44 million more than in 2004.
Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang province, held quiet days during which sounding car horns and "entertainment" noise were forbidden. Across the country construction sites were shut, a significant move in progress-fixated China.
Official guidelines to combat cheating, which is rife, have been revamped. Regulations covering staff in charge of examinations and enrolment were also issued.
Authorities cracked down on fraud ahead of the exams, with 21 people detained and four others fined. The suspects claimed that they had obtained leaked test papers, though sources at the Ministries of Education and Public Security claimed that no genuine papers had been leaked.
Of the 8.67 million candidates, 4.75 million will be accepted at higher education institutions.