Education authorities in Chengdu, Sichuan province, and Shanghai have addressed recent online speculation suggesting the abolition of the high school entrance exam, known as the zhongkao, in certain pilot programs. Officials clarified that while new educational reforms aim to integrate middle and high school training models, they do not equate to eliminating the zhongkao, a critical academic assessment. In Chengdu, a 12-year coherent training program will be introduced in eight pilot schools starting in 2025, allowing students in specific continuous education classes to bypass the zhongkao if they choose. However, the program is limited in scope and does not signify a citywide cancellation of the exam. The reforms focus on creating a seamless educational pathway from primary through high school, emphasizing holistic development over exam scores. Similarly, Shanghai’s education commission highlighted that its pilot program aims to unify curriculum design and optimize resource sharing across school stages but does not abolish the zhongkao. The flexible approach helps manage enrollment fluctuations and promotes cross-campus resource sharing, making education more efficient and adaptable. Public concerns about vocational education persist, with many parents fearing that poor zhongkao performance could force their children into vocational schools. Authorities have reiterated that vocational education is a vital part of the education system, offering diverse pathways for students with varying strengths. Experts like Xiong Bingqi, president of the 21st Century Education Research Institute, emphasized that the reforms provide more educational options but do not fundamentally alter the competitive nature of high school admissions. He noted that deeper structural reforms, such as eliminating school hierarchies and bridging the gap between regular and vocational education, are necessary for systemic change. The 2022 revised Law on Vocational Education has redefined vocational education as a parallel pathway to regular education, calling for greater integration between the two systems.