High school students in Zhejiang province will have the chance to take college courses and earn credits as part of the latest efforts by local education authorities to push education reform.

Xinhua News Agency reports that the province's educational authorities will deepen curricular reform in high schools and start optional courses for students from this semester under four categories: knowledge extending, vocational skills, hobby development and social practice.

The Tourism College of Zhejiang Province has already collaborated with Xiaoshan No 6 High School and Hangzhou No 2 High School and opened vocational courses. These courses, which include etiquette, travel guidance, lifesaving, Chinese cookery and Western culinary arts, cater to first-year high school students.

Students who complete these optional courses and behave well can earn credits, which can be recognised by colleges.