Shenzhen, China – The Chinese government is reinforcing its commitment to student health with the nationwide expansion of the “one physical education (PE) class per day” policy. This initiative, first piloted in Shenzhen in 2024, has already shown promising results, particularly in reducing the rate of myopia among students.
According to the Shenzhen Municipal Education Bureau, since the policy’s implementation on January 1, 2024, the overall myopia rate among children and adolescents has dropped to 55.5 percent—down 1.2 percentage points from the previous year. Additionally, the proportion of students achieving excellent physical fitness scores has increased by over 6 percentage points compared to 2023.
“Seeing the data, I feel even more confident about implementing the policy. A year of practice has proven that we made the right decision,” said Zheng Xiuyu, head of the municipal education bureau.
Encouraged by these results, several provincial regions, including Beijing, Hunan, Hebei, Gansu, Tianjin, and Sichuan, have implemented similar mandates, ensuring that students receive adequate physical education and recess activities to improve both physical and mental well-being.
Expanding the Daily PE Class Mandate
Beijing has taken a leading role in promoting physical activity among students by issuing an official directive aimed at strengthening physical education in primary and secondary schools. The directive includes eight key measures, such as ensuring at least one PE class per day and mandating that students participate in a minimum of two hours of physical activity daily.
This move follows growing concerns over student health, particularly as non-communicable diseases such as myopia, obesity, and scoliosis have surpassed infectious diseases as major health issues. A 2024 report by the China Development Research Foundation also highlighted increasing rates of anxiety and depression among students, emphasizing the need for comprehensive health policies in schools.
Students and parents alike have embraced the new policy. “My favorite class is PE!” said one student in Shenzhen. Parents also report noticeable improvements in their children’s fitness, confidence, and overall happiness due to consistent exercise.
Physical Activity Linked to Academic Success
Experts argue that regular physical activity not only contributes to better health but also enhances cognitive abilities.
“Parents and schools have become more attentive to PE,” said Shen Hongwen, a PE teacher in Shanghai. “Beyond grades, society now values both academic success and physical well-being.”
The rise of specialized sports training institutions further underscores this shift. Educators note that physical activity helps students focus, improves study efficiency, and fosters creativity.
“Appropriate recess games and physical activities not only enhance study efficiency but also help develop thinking and innovation abilities,” said Zhu Hong, vice principal of a primary school in Hainan.
Huang Zhenmin, a PE analyst at the Shenzhen Institute of Education Sciences, added that exercise plays a crucial role in brain development, reinforcing the importance of structured physical education in schools.
Overcoming Implementation Challenges
Despite widespread support, several challenges have emerged in fully implementing the policy. Limited time, lack of adequate sports facilities, and a shortage of PE teachers have been key obstacles.
To address these issues, China has taken proactive steps, including expanding PE teacher training programs and allowing retired coaches and professional athletes to serve as part-time instructors. In Beijing, schools are now permitted to recruit experienced athletes to supplement teaching staff.
Additionally, Shenzhen has developed a dual-use system for sports facilities, granting students access to public sports venues during school hours and opening school grounds to the public during holidays. This initiative helps maximize available space and ensures that students have adequate areas for physical activity.
A Long-Term Commitment to Student Health
China’s Ministry of Education initially recommended daily PE classes in 2021, urging schools to provide at least one hour of in-school exercise and an additional hour outside school. The recently announced national education plan for 2035 reaffirms this commitment, stressing the importance of two hours of daily physical activity to control rising rates of myopia and obesity.
With infrastructure improvements and growing societal recognition of physical education’s benefits, schools are now prioritizing high-quality PE curricula focusing on speed, agility, strength, and endurance.
As China continues to strengthen its education policies, the “one PE class a day” initiative is proving to be a game-changer for student health, setting a new standard for holistic learning that balances academics with physical well-being.
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