Hua, have you heard? All primary and secondary schools across Zhejiang have started implementing 'spring and autumn holidays', and many other places nationwide are following suit.

Of course I’ve heard! My coworker was just talking about it. Her daughter can take a three-day autumn break this year, and with the weekend, she gets five days off. The kids are thrilled.

I think it’s great. In the past, we only had winter and summer holidays, so the time was too concentrated—traffic and attractions would be overcrowded. Now, with more spread-out breaks, it’s good for tourism and service industries as well.

That’s true. I think what’s even more important is that children can experience different ways of learning during the spring and autumn breaks. For example, in Hangzhou, there are 'spring break daycare classes' where science tutors guide kids to create AI picture books. It’s so interesting.

Yes, education experts say this allows students to 'step out of the classroom' and learn real-life skills. But we also have to consider whether parents can get time off—otherwise, if the kids are on holiday but the parents have to work, it’ll be a hassle.

I agree with that. Actually, many parents hope to have holidays that line up with their children’s. Maybe in the future, the country can combine paid annual leave with 'spring and autumn holidays' so family trips will be easier.

Right, it’ll take coordination among government, schools, and companies. Zhejiang’s experience is a good reference—it ensures the teaching schedule and lets both students and parents benefit.

I hope our area will introduce it too. I don’t think 'spring and autumn holidays' are about being lazy, but rather a new educational approach, letting children grow in nature and society.

Well said. Education isn’t just in the classroom—holidays are also a classroom. As long as it’s well arranged, 'taking a break' can have new meaning.