Despite some sequences in the series appearing somewhat over-dramatic and exaggerated, the avid viewer Jiang says that she can see a resemblance between her mother and the character, and a lot of scenes in the TV series resonated strongly with her.

For the past four decades, since China resumed the gaokao in 1977, the national examination is the lone criterion in admissions to colleges, pulling generations of youngsters into the high-stress race which can make or break their future.

No wonder A Little Reunion, a 49-episode drama centered on the gaokao, has become one of the highest-rated TV series this year, striking a chord with legions of viewers.

Recently concluding its first run on television, the drama, which is still available online, has gained 8.4 points out of 10 on review site Douban.

"Most of the plotlines are so close to real life. The gaokao is like a grueling battle in reality," says one internet user, whose comment garnered over 3,000 likes on Douban.

Its popularity has even expanded overseas. The TV series has been distributed to around 170 countries and regions, including the United States and Canada, according to the producers.