"After learning for three years, parents will let their children quit if they don't achieve results in competitions. Those who continue will work toward higher goals, which require sustained investment of time and money," he said.

For Qian Dehao, 18, a college student in Beijing, learning to play golf and ride horses is preparation for possible social functions in the future. He was curious and eager to learn the skills when he saw that many successful people pursued these hobbies.

"These activities are a social thing for people in the upper echelons of life. A business deal can be made during a round of golf. Horseback riding can help develop useful contacts because many riders come from decent backgrounds," he said.

"I think these hobbies will be helpful to my career, and my parents provide lots of support for me to learn them."

Qian majors in math, and plans to study finance at postgraduate level so he can join the business elite in the future.