In Depth: Chinese Teachers’ Mental Health Crisis

After four years teaching at a public high school, Chen Jun had gained over 20 kilograms (44 pounds) and been diagnosed with anxiety and depression.

Shortly after she joined the school, located in one of the counties of Kunming, Southwest China’s Yunnan province, her employer announced it would adopt the “Hengshui model.” That refers to the intensely strict approach to education made famous by Hengshui High School in Hebei province, which attracts students from all around the country hoping to ace the national college entrance exam.