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Sociologists widely believe that the three generations of Chinese born after New China was founded in 1949 bear distinct traits.

Those born and brought up in the 1950s and 1960s are known for their selflessness and heroism, while people born in the 1970s and1980s are marked by their broader vision, but self-centered nature, said renowned writer and juvenile studies specialist Sun Yunxiao.

The new generation are known for their strong personalities and ambition, he said.

"The open society and material abundance have enabled many children to be more confident. They tend to highlight 'I', while their parents and grandparents tend to say 'we'," said Sun.

In a globalized society, Dong Yue and her classmates have much in common with their peers in other countries: they begin studying English at kindergartens, and many of the books they read are international best-sellers, including the Magic School Bus science series and the works of Shel Silverstein.

At school they are taught survival skills ranging from how to survive fire and earthquakes to how to look after themselves in case they are left home alone.

Many are busy after school, doing sports, playing musical instruments, painting and getting involved in other activities.

Dong's father proudly displays all the five violins she has used over the past two years in the family's living room: "A unique decoration that makes the whole family feel rather accomplished," he said.

China began to promote comprehensive education in the 1990s, in sharp contrast to the traditional way of spoon feeding book knowledge. Parents and teachers are encouraged to nurture children's interests and cultivate their talents in diverse areas.

Though some parents are criticized for ruining childhoods with too much pressure and no time to play, it is widely believed among China's urban, well-educated parents that early childhood training is essential in their children's life-long development.

As if in response to their parents' expectations, many children are better informed and aim higher in life, said Liu Baolin, an official with the Linfen education bureau in Shanxi Province.

"When I was a kid, I dreamt of growing up to be a teacher or a bus driver," said Beijing-based accountant Wang Shumei. "But my 7-year-old son says he wants to be a zoologist dedicated to helping increase the giant panda population."

"Compared with my generation, today's kids are probably more spoiled, less persevering and more yielding in the face of difficulties," said Chang Yongxiu, a primary school teacher in Taiyuan, capital of Shanxi Province. "But they are polite, active and full of potentials."

After the devastating earthquake that shook Sichuan Province on May 12 last year, many youngsters stood out as heroes for helping their classmates survive. The perseverance of those who survived days after being trapped in darkness and pain also went far beyond expectation.

These are the same qualities of the role models of the past decades, says Sun Yunxiao. "Probably all of us have the potential to be a hero -- and environment and education create real heroes."