Legal basis: Constitution of People's Republic of China (PRC).

Article 19 The state develops socialist education and improves the scientific and cultural level of the people throughout the country. The state runs various schools, popularizes compulsory primary education, develops secondary education, vocational education and higher education, and develops preschool education. The state develops various educational undertakings, eliminates illiteracy, educates workers, peasants, state functionaries and other laborers in politics, culture, science, technology and business, and encourages self-study. The state encourages collective economic organizations, state enterprises and institutions and other social forces to organize various educational undertakings according to law. The state promotes Putonghua, which is commonly used throughout the country.

Article 46 People's Republic of China (PRC) citizens have the right and obligation to receive education. The state trains young people, teenagers and children to develop in an all-round way in morality, intelligence and physique.

Article 47 People's Republic of China (PRC) citizens have the freedom to engage in scientific research, literary and artistic creation and other cultural activities. The state encourages and helps citizens engaged in education, science, technology, literature, art and other cultural undertakings to carry out creative work beneficial to the people.