Urumqi, the capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, will pilot a three-day spring break and a five-day snow break in schools starting this year, according to the local education authorities.

The spring break will run from April 28 to 30, while the snow break is scheduled for Dec. 1 to 5.

The initiative aims to diversify educational practices, reduce academic pressure under the national "double reduction" policy targeting excessive homework and off-campus tutoring, and promote hands-on learning beyond classrooms, according to the municipal education bureau.

Students are encouraged to join school-organized cultural, sports and research programs, or engage in family trips and social practice activities during the breaks.

The introduction of the spring break in China started in 2004, pioneered by Hangzhou in east China's Zhejiang Province.

China unveiled a plan on special initiatives to increase consumption last month, encouraging regions with adequate resources to pilot seasonal school breaks tailored to local needs. The plan also mandates strict enforcement of paid annual leave, fueling parents' expectations for the breaks.

Many schools across China, from primary schools to universities, have announced their spring or autumn break policies, including those in Beijing, Hubei and Fujian. 

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