I saw that while staying in a Chinese university for one year. But my university was not a major, glorious, famous school, just a "good" one. I think these days it is not that extreme anymore. Chinese students actually have relationships, hobbies and friends. Just the ones who have to be the elite live in such an extreme environment. But that I think is the same for most countries. Especially the U.S. probably can't exclude themself from that (although it just what I think from watching US tv shows and movies, never went there).

China changes very fast these days. If I go there in 2 years again, I think I will again already meet another country. And now (meaning starting the last months!) the change starts to be public driven and not government driven.