Harbin has sent a special train to transport students in Inner Mongolia from their hometowns to test sites for the National College Entrance Exam, or gaokao.

On June 5, a special train carried around 500 students from Dayangshu township of Oroqen Autonomous Banner in Inner Mongolia autonomous region to Alihe town, to take part in the 2017 National College Entrance Exam.

Alihe town is about 135 kilometers from Oroqen Autonomous Banner. Since beginning operations in 2003, the train, with tickets priced at only 12.5 yuan ($1.84), has offered a convenient service to more than 20,000 students, especially those from low-income families.

Liu Huanhuan, a schoolteacher at Dayangshu Town No 2 Middle School, takes this special train together with her students to the gaokao test site every year.

"I took this train to take part in the college entrance examination 10 years ago,” Liu said.

"After graduating from college, I became a teacher in my hometown,” she said.

"Taking the train to the gaokao test site not only can save time, but is also an unforgettable experience,” Liu said.

"I hope my students’ dreams of attending university will come true,” Liu added.

"Tickets for the train are quite cheap and the service is good,” said Ge Xinrui, a 19-year-old girl taking part in this year’s gaokao exam.

"We are provided with pencils, erasers, books, phone chargers and water,” she said.

"Meanwhile, there is entertainment on the train to ease our nervousness,” Ge added.

China’s 2017 National College Entrance Exam will last from June 7 to June 9.

A group of students get on a train in Oroqen Autonomous Banner, Inner Mongolia autonomous region on June 5 to take part in the National College Entrance Exam in Alihe town. [Photo/gmw.cn]

A group of students cheer on a train heading for a gaokao test site in Alihe town in Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo/gmw.cn]

Two students read books on a special train heading for a gaokao test site in Alihe town in Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo/gmw.cn]