School criticised for making students stand at gate in cold to salute teachers

A school in eastern China is facing heavy flak on social media after a video emerged showing students standing at the entrance of the school gate in chilly winter weather to welcome teachers. The incident — regarded as a form of “etiquette education” — took place at Jianqiao Primary School in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. The institution is a century-old school and is recognised as a key local institution.

Video goes viral

The video, which has gone viral on social media, shows four children wearing patrol armbands lined up at the school gate like a tiny honour guard. Every teacher’s car that rolls in receives a sharp salute and a cheerful “good morning!”.

While some teachers wave at the students, others simply drive by with their windows up. The salute is known as a symbol of the You