Wang Shanshan, 25, whose younger brother will take the gaokao in Shandong province this month, said she had simply bought him some walnuts and chocolates, rather than a gimmicky product.

"Yes, the exam is important, but neither students nor their parents should be blind in their actions," she said.

Wang took the gaokao in May 2006, and she recalled that when she was preparing, her mother purchased a Buddha statue and prayed for her almost every day.

"I know she meant well, but the high expectation that put on me just added to the stress and made me more nervous," said Wang, now an employee of the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing.

Now it is her brother's turn to take the exam. She said she has been surprised to see her parents have changed their attitude.

"This time they're acting as normal, no praying or blindly buying things," she added. "This is good for my brother."

Hu Qingming, the 47-year-old father of a student who is about to take the exam, also said he will not be buying any lucky charms for his daughter.

"I'll pray for her in my heart," said Hu, who works for a State-owned enterprise in Beijing. "As a parent, speaking or doing too much only adds to the pressure.

"My daughter has worked hard during high school. I believe in her, and I don't think she needs these things to help her."