Even as a high school student, James Li knew he wanted more than the rote lessons he had received in the Chinese education system.

“I felt like if I had received a more complete education, I would have been an entrepreneur or less afraid of taking a less traditional job,” says Mr Li, who attended a Chinese university and now works as a technology support specialist in the city of Hangzhou.

Many Chinese students feel a similar frustration with the hierarchical public education system, which has its historical roots in imperial civil service examinations. From the age of six until 15, students memorise lessons and attend weekend cramming classes, with the aim of passing the gruelling college entrance examination, the gaokao. Experts say this rigid model is ill suited to producing the creative thinkers China needs to diversify its economy.