Students play during break time at a primary school in Harbin, Heilongjiang province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Starting from the spring semester of 2025, all compulsory education schools in Heilongjiang province will promote 15-minute breaks between classes and 30-minute physical activity sessions in the morning and afternoon, according to a statement recently released by the provincial education department.

The action aims to create a network for students to develop physically and mentally. Breaking away from traditional rigid schedules, it guarantees students two hours of comprehensive physical activity every day to allow them to unleash their growth potential.

Students play during break time at a primary school in Harbin, Heilongjiang province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In the capital city of Harbin, schools are overcoming space constraints by creating multifunctional indoor areas, like basketball corners and corridor exploration areas. Outdoor spaces are divided into traditional and specialized activity areas, building a multidimensional activity system.

In Qiqihar city, students are gaining access to a creative approach combining ground games, sports specialties and technological empowerment, enriching their break time activities with organized fun.

Students play military chess during break time at a primary school in Qitaihe, Heilongjiang province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Schools in Mudanjiang, Jiamusi and Qitaihe introduced a dual-scene setup combining fun with smart play.

On the playgrounds, students can participate in activities like rope skipping and ball sports, while the classrooms are transformed into chess and puzzle competition areas, bringing physical and mental enhancement.

Students return to the classroom after break time at a primary school in Qitaihe, Heilongjiang province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In Jixi, teachers are assigned to patrol the playgrounds during breaks, intervening in real time to manage risks. They also established a three-minute preparation bell mechanism to guide students back to class in staggered groups.