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)