"Enjoying flowers, embracing love" is the theme of the spring break from 1/4 to 6/4, as recently announced by Southwest Sichuan Vocational College of Civil Aviation on its official WeChat account.

The college called on faculty and students to temporarily set aside their studies, leave all worries behind, exit the campus, and spend spring break with family, partners, or friends.

A school official stated this is an innovative measure that integrates life education, emotional education, and social practice. "Encouraging faculty and students to leave campus for excursions not only helps them appreciate the ecological beauty of mountains, but also creates opportunities to experience the beauty of love."

Southwest Sichuan Vocational College of Civil Aviation. *Photo: Sichuan Southwest Vocational College of Civil Aviation*

According to Chinese media, the college's new directive is considered unusual in a country that highly values academic achievement. Southwest Sichuan Vocational College of Civil Aviation has about 22,000 students.

The college issued the new announcement two weeks after the Chinese government decided to add spring and autumn breaks for schools, in addition to traditional summer breaks.

Many localities like Sichuan and Jiangsu in the eastern region, along with major cities such as Suzhou and Nanjing, have announced spring break plans, most of which fall in early April or early May.

A couple takes wedding photos at the Forbidden City, Beijing, in 2021. *Photo: Reuters*

China is working to boost domestic consumption by encouraging citizens to increase tourism and participate in leisure activities. Officials also hope that more free time will create conditions for birth rates to increase again.

China's population decreased for the 4th consecutive year in 2025, pushing the birth rate to a record low. Experts warn this decline may continue.

"Society needs enough time and money to raise children," said James Liang, a renowned demography expert in China. He emphasized that more needs to be done to financially support young people, as well as reshape public attitudes towards family life.

Duc Trung (Reuters, Paper, Sina News)