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Pretty protection: China's female bodyguards

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Only the strong will survive the next twenty-eight days.

But for women it is more than just a professional pledge - it's a personal one too. The company demands that all female recruits remain single. Relationships are viewed as distractions to the job.

Gu was once a professional rower but an injury forced her into a motley of administrative and sales jobs. She says this is the opportunity she has been waiting for.

Gu Zishuo said, "When I was a kid, I really wanted to be a member of the Special Forces. But I had no chance. Now I can become a bodyguard. I am really very happy."

The afternoon brings the first taste of relaxation. The women swap stories. Many have martial arts and military backgrounds where physical punishment is par for the course.

"When someone walks on your stomach, you have to hold the air inside. Let the air in your belly fight against the foot. This way you won't get hurt."

From the sand to the sea, they are pushed to see how much they can stand, all holding onto the hope that they will be one of those selected to protect China's elite. Israel is considered a leader in the private security industry, and for the first time, a team has come to train Chinese candidates. Nir David says female guards around the world are prized for their invincibility. The time has come for those in China.

Nir David said, "They are strong and this is a secret weapon because no one will think that a girl like you can take me down."

He says China is a relatively safe country. The growing demand is evidence more of a strong economy, than a dangerous society.

The candidates come from all across the country and when you're here it's easy to feel cut off from the rest of the world. That's exactly what they want. As soon as they arrived their cell phones were confiscated - it's all in preparation for a future life is secrecy

Gu Zishuo said, "I can't tell my family where I am, what I am doing or who I am protecting. I can't tell anyone. I can only trust my client."

Chen says these are the luxury service industry's most coveted products. Chen Yongqing said, "Russian people think having a female bodyguard is just like owning a Ferrari or Rolls-Royce, it is a status symbol. Female bodyguards in China are going to be viewed that way too."

Night brings respite from the hot Sanya sun. But the heat is still on. The recruits know that to suffer means to be one step closer to success.

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