Many Chinese people simply do not think that there are enough hours in the day. That is the finding of an online survey which shows that people in China are working and studying longer than ever before.

The rapid pace of the nation's economic development in recent years has forced many to change gear and live a life in the "fast lane," challenging the traditional Chinese concept of a leisurely existence.

The survey, conducted by the popular Chinese news portal Sina.com, reveals that 56 per cent of people are simply short of time.

And 75 per cent of the total surveyed said that Chinese have little idea of how valuable time is, indicating that more people value and pursue a more time-efficient life style.

In the survey, 64 per cent said they have never been late and would not tolerate others being late either.

Some 73 per cent said they were busy most of the day and 56 per cent acknowledged they spent most of their time either working and studying.

But this does not mean that the work ethic, or the benefits of studying, are seen a positive thing.

Only 17 per cent of those surveyed said that the best use of time is to work or study. But 76 per cent thought that in order to better use their time they should work more.

The report said the answers showed a big gap between the Chinese people's ideal life and reality.

Their concept of time has changed partly because of mounting pressure to earn more.

Tiring homework

A survey, conducted in 66 middle and primary schools in eight cities in Southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, showed that adults are not the only ones under pressure in the country.

Students are overwhelmed by long school hours, piles of homework, and various after-school training, including home tutoring.

Middle school students usually have inadequate time for sleep. In the survey, 62 per cent of the students in their last year in high school, who are preparing for the university entrance exam, slept less than 7 hours each day and none met the 8-hour minimum set by the Ministry of Education.

The ministry has issued a circular to release students from heavy burden of long school hours and homework, requiring primary and middle school students in their first three years to sleep at least nine hours a day and those in their last three years to spend 8 hours in bed.