Inside China’s “Military Training” for Freshmen

Since the early 2000s, military training, or “junxun,” has been a requirement for college students in China as a form of national defense education. It usually lasts about two weeks every September before the start of the semester.

What was once simple formation drills and marching in step has now evolved into something far more diverse. From scooter-riding courses to desert crossings, many universities have expanded their programs to include life skills and hands-on experiences.

For generations of Chinese college students, military training is exhausting but always unforgettable. Now, they might even learn skills that come in handy in everyday life.