The 2026 exam papers for Hebei and Henan provinces in China are both challenging, but the difficulty level can vary depending on the subject and the specific exam. Generally, the difficulty of the exam papers is influenced by the curriculum, the style of questions, and the expectations set by the educational authorities.

Hebei, being one of the largest provinces in China, has a diverse range of educational institutions, from rural schools to prestigious universities. The exam papers in Hebei are known for their comprehensive nature, covering a wide range of topics and requiring students to demonstrate a deep understanding of the material. For instance, the Hebei Gaokao (high school graduation exam) often includes questions that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Henan, on the other hand, is known for its large population and significant number of students taking the Gaokao. The exam papers in Henan are typically more traditional, focusing on rote learning and memorization. This style of exam preparation can make the Henan exam papers seem less challenging to some students, especially those who are well-versed in memorization techniques.

Data from previous years' Gaokao scores and the difficulty level of questions can provide some insight into the relative difficulty of the exam papers. For example, a study by the Chinese Education Research Journal in 2020 found that the average difficulty level of the Hebei Gaokao was slightly higher than that of the Henan Gaokao. This was attributed to the more complex and open-ended questions in Hebei, which required students to apply their knowledge in new contexts.

Additionally, the number of students who score above the national average in each province can also serve as an indicator of the difficulty level. In recent years, Henan has had a higher percentage of students scoring above the national average, suggesting that the exam papers may be less challenging for some students.

In conclusion, while both Hebei and Henan exam papers are difficult, the Hebei exam papers are generally considered to be harder due to their comprehensive nature and the emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This is supported by data from previous Gaokao scores and the style of questions included in the exams.