When Chinese parents rushed to give birth in what was considered the doubly-auspicious millennium and lunar dragon year in 2000, they might not have anticipated that their “lucky babies” would face such an ordeal to get into schools…

Figures from the National Bureau of Statistics show that about 36 million babies were born that year, far higher than the 19.09 million in 1999 and 17.02 million in 2001.
The large number of “millennium babies” have exerted enormous pressure on schools, as resources such as teachers and equipment are limited…

Experts also warn that problems may accompany the children throughout their lives including entry to middle schools and colleges; as well as finding jobs.

However, it seems that couples have not taken heed of the emerging problems from the baby boom, as a large number plan to have babies next year, the Year of the Pig in the Chinese zodiac, which is also considered lucky…

Xu Doudou, a sociologist at Fuzhou University, said couples should avoid blind faith in the so-called “golden pig” year, and consider their health and other circumstances before they decide to have a baby.

Source: CHINAdaily
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2006-10/25/content_716103.htm