Overview
The Chinese Chemistry Olympiad (中国化学奥林匹克, CChO) is the national chemistry competition for high school students, run by the Chinese Chemical Society. It includes the National High School Chemistry Competition (provincial preliminary round) and a final, and leads to the national training team for the International Chemistry Olympiad. In 2025 the Society replaced its old charter with the Chinese Chemistry Olympiad Work Regulations (Trial) and the Implementation Details (2025 revision); the Society's site lists revisions in March 2025 and January 2026.
Who can take part
Participants in the preliminary are students of regular high schools. The preliminary is mainly for Grade 12 students and Grade 10 and 11 students are discouraged from entering. Students who have already finished high school and students not at regular high schools may not enter. These points come from the older charter, which was withdrawn in 2025, so check the current regulations.
Levels or stages
| Stage | Format | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary (初赛) | 3-hour written paper, held at the same time in each province | Early September |
| Final (决赛) | Theory paper of 4 hours plus an experiment paper of 4 to 5 hours | Late October to early November, or around the winter camp, per older rules |
The 39th Chinese Chemistry Olympiad preliminary was held in September 2025. Final dates for 2026 were not stated on the pages checked.
Marking and results
Provincial chemical societies run the preliminary and recommend students to the final. Top final performers are chosen for the national training team.
How to apply
Registration goes through your provincial or local chemical society, which publishes its own contacts and deadlines.
Preparation tips
Practise past preliminary papers, and train in laboratory skills for the final's experiment paper.
Note
Several details above come from the older charter and secondary reports. Confirm current rules with the Chinese Chemical Society and your provincial chemical society.
Is there one national date for the preliminary?
Yes, it is held nationwide at the same time, with each province running its own venues. The 2025 preliminary was held in September.