At 6 am, when most of their counterparts in the city are still sleeping, a group of students have already started their day with meditation in Qinling Mountain, Northwest China's Shaanxi province.

The Zhongnanshan Academy was founded by Bai Zilin and his wife Hou Jie in early 2010. The private school, with nine students, mainly teaches students to read and recite Chinese classics, traditional Chinese medicine and archery.

"The school is established to let children enjoy a happy childhood and let them play, live and study happily," Bai Zilin said.

Students take a group photo with their teachers in the mountain, May 5, 2015. [Photo/CFP]