Zhong Fangrong, a high school graduate from a small village in Hunan Province, central China, scored 676 out of 750 in the national college entrance examination, also known as the gaokao. She applied to Peking University (PKU) to major in archaeology as she likes learning about history and cultural heritage.

Her decision became the talk of China's social platform Weibo because archaeology is commonly regarded as an unattractive subject with dim career prospects.

Some netizens said her major would not lead to a lucrative career and would be a waste of her high score. However, many admired and supported her, saying students should choose majors based on their personal interest and aspiration.

Zhong said she was inspired by her idol Fan Jinshi. Fan, an archaeologist who graduated from PKU, is known for her work on cultural relics at the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, Gansu Province in northwest China, famous for their Buddhist art. Fan sent a letter to encourage Zhong to realize her dream. Many Chinese museums and archaeological institutions also rallied behind her.