时代变了，鸡娃即将崩溃？意外的事接连发生

Group 1 - The number of candidates for the national college entrance examination (Gaokao) has decreased for the first time in eight years, with a total of 13.35 million applicants, down by 70,000 from last year [1] - Despite an increase in the birth population, the number of students opting out of the Gaokao has risen significantly, estimated to be around 500,000 [1] - The number of candidates for the postgraduate entrance examination (Kaoyan) is projected to drop by 500,000 in 2025, marking an 11.4% decline [1] Group 2 - The traditional paths of education and career, such as Gaokao, Kaoyan, and studying abroad, are showing signs of a turning point, indicating a potential collapse of the "chicken baby" phenomenon [3] - The marginal returns of pursuing elite education are decreasing, with many graduates facing employment difficulties despite high educational qualifications [6][10] - The employment rate for vocational college graduates is higher than that of master's and doctoral graduates, highlighting a shift in the job market dynamics [6][9] Group 3 - The cost of studying abroad is rising, while the salaries for returnees are declining, leading families to reconsider the value of overseas education [11][13] - The trend of "chicken baby" education is expected to decline as the number of college admissions increases and the competition for higher education eases [16][18] - Historical references to Japan's educational trends illustrate the potential for a similar shift in China, where the intense competition for university admission has led to diminishing returns [19][20]