Primary school student Chen Mingshan from Lichuan, Hubei province, could barely contain his excitement as he described the first autumn break of his life.

"My parents are going to take me to the countryside, where I can pick tangerines and dig up sweet potatoes," said the 10-year-old fifth-grader joyfully. "The best part is there's no homework. We can have unstructured free time."

As China continues to deepen its education reform, a new initiative is being introduced across the country — spring and autumn breaks for primary and secondary school students.

This fresh approach aims to ease academic burdens on students while promoting holistic development through practical experiences outside the classroom.

On Oct 20, the education bureau of Lichuan, Enshi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture, announced its first autumn break, scheduled from Nov 3 to Nov 7. Bookended by two weekends, local primary and junior high students will enjoy a nine-day holiday.

Schools are required to uniformly implement the break without unauthorized adjustments or reductions. The bureau explicitly banned assigning any form of written homework or mandatory practical tasks.

"Everyone is thrilled about this extra, homework-free holiday," Chen said.

Xiao Junling, a teacher at Chen's school — Lichuan Second Ethnic Experimental Primary School — said the new arrangement has been welcomed by students and parents, who are making various plans, many both fun and meaningful.

For instance, one student will go to his grandparents' place and learn the process of tea picking and processing, she said.

Another student interested in the local dialect intends to learn Tujia folk songs from his grandparents and record a small "dialect music album".

A group of classmates plan a field trip to the nearby Xingdoushan National Nature Reserve, to document migratory birds and plants and compile a simple research report.

"These activities are excellent. They incorporate local characteristics and provide tangible learning, turning abstract textbook knowledge into something children can touch and feel in real life," Xiao said.

Huang Jie, the father of one student, welcomed the chance for relaxed, off-peak travel, saying that the family can take a leisurely trip and let the children truly unwind.

Policy encouragement

Lichuan's move aligns with a broader policy direction.

In September, nine central government departments, including the Ministry of Commerce, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the Ministry of Education issued measures on expanding service consumption.

The changes encourage localities with suitable conditions to adjust the academic calendar taking into consideration the climate, production schedules and the implementation of paid leave.

It suggests exploring the establishment of spring and autumn breaks, potentially shortening summer and winter vacations, to boost tourism and service consumption during these periods.

During this March's two sessions — the annual gatherings of the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee — the idea gained national attention.

Pang Yonghui, an NPC deputy from Hebei province, submitted a proposal to institute nationwide spring and autumn breaks for students. "I proposed this mainly for two reasons: to boost the economy and consumption, and to benefit children's growth and education," said Pang, also a Chinese arts and crafts master.

Pang recalled having spring and autumn breaks during busy farming time in his childhood, and noted that today's children face immense academic pressure.

He suggested starting with a one-week "spring break" around the May Day holiday, followed later by an "autumn break", coupled with full implementation of paid leave for workers in enterprises and public institutions to stimulate holiday consumption.

"It became trending news online, showing the topic's broad relevance and public interest," Pang said, expressing satisfaction that his proposal is gaining traction.

Gao Wen, an associate professor of psychology at Liaoning Normal University in Dalian, Liaoning province, said breaks can benefit students' mental and physical health.

"Students are spending long hours in school every day. The two breaks can effectively provide a respite from this rhythm of high-intensity learning, providing necessary relaxation," she said.

"In addition, through recreation and practical work, children interact more with their parents, strengthening family bonds and fostering well-rounded personalities."

 Children view a display at the museum of Mulinzi National Nature Reserve in the Enshi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture, Hubei province, during this year's spring break. PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY