- Big drop in gaokao takers — 12.9 million this year, down 450,000 and marking a second straight decline as more teens skip traditional university routes.
- Surge in vocational interest — long queues and rising enrolments (Shanghai +15%) as students opt for job-ready programs instead of degrees.
- Job-market strain is clear — youth unemployment >16%, a record 12.7 million grads entering the market, and a viral shepherd job ad that drew millions of applicants.
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