STUDENTS DITCH LIBRARIES FOR FUN, FOCUS OF THEME PARKS

Scholars find serenity, relief amid roller coaster rides, parades

An unexpected trend is sweeping China as students flock to Disneyland, Universal Studios and other theme parks not for the thrill of the rides, parades or fairytale magic, but to find relaxing places to study.

Li Xishan, a PhD student at Beijing Medical University, spends most of her days buried in textbooks, research papers, and preparing for tough exams. The pressure is relentless, and the long hours in the library often leave her exhausted and mentally drained, she said.

"If I'm going to spend hours studying, why not do it somewhere more exciting? At least this way, I can take a break by watching a parade instead of staring at the same library walls," said Li, who has an annual pass to Universal Studios Beijing.