I was in the athletic school until age 11, when I was chosen to be a member of the Hebei Province Team. Because I was so young at that time, and because the Hebei Team was one of the top teams in China, I didn't get many chances to play national tournaments initially. However, I was playing very well and very consistent in national junior competitions. Nine out of ten times, I would claim the title. I entered the Chinese National Team when I was 16.
China has a very comprehensive system.
The selection starts at the grassroots level. Athletic schools go to elementary schools and junior high schools to select students. Province Teams select members from the best players in athletic schools. And the National Team selects new members, usually when they are still young, from the best players on Province Teams. I had very good coaches all the way through.