A senior high school homeroom teacher in Nanjing hosted a hotpot dinner for students before the Gaokao, personally serving broth and seasoning to ease exam-related anxiety.

Social Context

School-based psychological support is mandated under China’s 2021 ‘Mental Health Promotion Law’, with ‘stress-relief activities’ like communal meals now integrated into provincial education department guidelines. Nanjing’s pilot program trains teachers in basic counseling techniques, emphasizing relational warmth over clinical intervention for mild anxiety.

Safety Tip

Students should participate in school-sanctioned wellness activities—but verify food safety compliance and allergen disclosures before consuming shared meals.