14-HOUR SCHOOL DAYS MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY AND IMMENSE HOMEWORK

Dad living in China reveals the shocking way schools differ from the US

 

By Lillian Gissen 

 

Daily Mail

Nov 7, 2025

 

 

 

Ray Liu, 42, from China, recently shared a video to TikTok that showcased his evening routine after picking up his 13-year-old daughter, Cindy, from school 

 

A dad living in China has revealed the shocking way that schooling differs in the Asian country.

Ray Liu, 42, recently shared a video to TikTok that showcased his evening routine after picking up his 13-year-old daughter, Cindy, from school.

But one small detail caught the attention of millions, and left people all across the globe stunned: the teenager didn't finish school until 8.30pm at night.

'Hi guys, it's 8.30pm, let's go pick up Cindy together,' Ray began in the now-viral clip.

He spoke to the camera as he walked to her school in the dark.

'She went to school this morning at 7am so she stayed at school for about 14 hours,' continued the dad.

After reuniting with his daughter, he asked her if she was hungry and tired and she answered 'yes' to both questions.

The duo got home at 9.12pm, and immediately, she started her homework, which took her about an hour and a half.

 

But one small detail caught the attention of millions, and left people all across the globe stunned: the teenager didn't finish school until 8.30pm at night

 

'She doesn't realize that she has no time of her own at all,' Ray reflected.

His video quickly went viral, raking in more than two million views and sparking a fierce conversation about school in China.

While speaking with the Daily Mail about it, Ray explained that 14-hour school days are 'quite common' in the country.

'It has always been this way,' he explained. 'When I was in middle school, I also spent 14 hours a day or even more at school.

'But back then, I didn't think it was a problem - I thought that's just how it was supposed to be.

'I think it's related to the talent selection system: every student must take the college entrance exam to get into university, and most Chinese parents believe that getting into a good university is the only way to secure a good job and live a happy life.

'Chinese education is all about exams - endless theoretical lessons and test drills. It's quite tedious, and kids easily lose interest in studying.' 

He said his daughter usually doesn't go to bed until after midnight because of her immense homework.

 

The duo got home at 9.12pm, and immediately, she started her homework, which took her about an hour and a half

His video quickly went viral, raking in more than two million views and sparking a fierce conversation about school in China

 

And in addition to her long school days during the week, Ray also revealed that she has math and science tutoring on Saturdays for two and a half hours.

She has Sunday 'free,' that is, only if she can finish all her homework for the weekend on Saturday. 

He admitted that he 'doesn't think it's a good system' and said he feels like the 'intense pressure' being put on children in China is making them 'lose' out on a 'happy childhood.'

'It affects their physical and mental health,' he added.

That's why he decided to post about it on TikTok - but he never expected it to get the reaction that it did.

'One night when I was picking up my daughter from school at 9pm, it suddenly hit me: a day only has 24 hours, and she's spending 14 of them in school - that's so unreasonable,' he said.

'Why does everyone think it's normal? I figured there must be other parents who think the same way, so I decided to make a video about it. 

'At first, I thought maybe a few people would agree with me and give it a like - but I never expected it to go so viral, and that so many people would share the same thoughts. I honestly didn't see it coming.' 

 

While speaking with the Daily Mail about it, Ray explained that 14-hour school days are 'quite common' in the country. He's seen with his wife and daughter

His daughter Cindy is seen here enjoying a swing, but Ray admitted that she even studies on the weekends

 

Many people took to the comment section of Ray's video to share their shock over Cindy's long day.

'Cindy lives at school and visits home,' one user quipped.

'I wouldn't last a week,' announced another, while someone else added, 'The audacity for the teacher to give her homework after 14 hours of school.'

'This should be illegal…' wrote a different appalled viewer.

'14 hours AND homework?' asked someone else. 

'I'm sorry this just seems so cruel. No childhood,' read a sixth comment.