Tianjin Municipality, north China, has witnessed an increase in the number of private schools over the past few years, thanks to market demands and the encouragement by the government.

So far, over 200 private schools have been set up in Tianjin, including Tianshi Vocational Technical Institute, the only private institute of higher learning in this port city.

Private schools have enrolled more than 100,000 students, about 8 percent of the city's total. These schools are trying to open courses and subjects according to market demands.

Tianshi has been quite successful in teaching its students, prevailing over other local universities in some official examinations of English and computer. Now, almost 700 students from 17 provinces and municipalities are studying in this private university.

Sanmao Art School is another success story. Some students there have won national and international awards in art performances and contests.

(People's Daily 05/22/2001)