A data base representing a random sample of more than 10,000 grade 9 students in an SISS (Second IEA Science Study) Extended Study (SES), a key project supported by the China State Commission of Education in the late 1980s, was employed in this study to investigate gender equity in student science achievement in China. This empirical data analysis uncovered significant gender differences across the nation. As a result of traditional Chinese culture, there is weak commitment to girls' education. Significant gender differences in science achievement were found in each of the five provinces studied (Gansu, Guangxi, Hubei, Inner Mongolia, and Jiangshu), however, two-way ANOVA revealed no significant interaction effects between province and gender on student achievement. The results are interpreted in terms of the educational, political, social, and cultural context in China. Contains 17 references. (LZ)