A student of Dengshikou Primary School experiences VR equipment during a new semester activity in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 1, 2026. Students across China are returning to school for the new semester around Sept. 1. (Xinhua/Ren Chao)

Students sing a song during the first class of the new semester at a middle school in southwest China's Chongqing, Sept. 1, 2026. Students across China are returning to school for the new semester around Sept. 1. (Xinhua/Chen Cheng)

Students attend the opening ceremony for the new semester in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 1, 2026. Students across China are returning to school for the new semester around Sept. 1. (Xinhua/Ren Chao)

Students walk toward a campus of Dengshikou Primary School in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 1, 2026. Students across China are returning to school for the new semester around Sept. 1. (Xinhua/Ren Chao)

Students sing a song during the first class of the new semester at a middle school in southwest China's Chongqing, Sept. 1, 2026. Students across China are returning to school for the new semester around Sept. 1. (Xinhua/Chen Cheng)

Students interact with a robot during a new semester activity at a primary school in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Sept. 1, 2026. Students across China are returning to school for the new semester around Sept. 1. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

Students take the first class of the new semester at a primary school in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Sept. 1, 2026. Students across China are returning to school for the new semester around Sept. 1. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

A flag-raising ceremony for the new semester is held at a middle school in southwest China's Chongqing, Sept. 1, 2026. Students across China are returning to school for the new semester around Sept. 1. (Xinhua/Chen Cheng)

A student shows his calligraphy work at a campus fair in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 1, 2026. Students across China are returning to school for the new semester around Sept. 1. (Xinhua/Li Xin)