Jiang Aini poses at a training yard. [Photo provided by Jiang Aini to Tide News]

Jiang Aini, a 23-year-old from Hunan province, is a firefighter in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province, serving with the province's first all-female team at Lu Xun Native Place scenic area.

She joined the all-female unit in April 2024, with her training including a 5-kilometer run once a week, 5,000 jump-rope repetitions a day, and one to two hours of patrols carrying gear weighing more than 10 kilograms.

Like many of her teammates, Jiang was first drawn to the job by the hot firefighters in films, television dramas, and short videos.

The team's daily work includes checking fire hazards, promoting fire safety, maintaining order in the scenic area, and responding to emergencies. Members are also required to master basic rescue skills for early-stage fires and urgent assistance calls.

Female firefighters on duty at Lu Xun Native Place. [Photo provided to Tide News]

Yu Yixing, head of the all-female team, said every recruit undergoes two months of intensive training and must pass physical and technical assessments, with the basic professional requirements broadly the same as those for male firefighters. In daily work, she added, female team members often bring patience and attention to detail to inspections and public service.

The Lu Xun Native Place fire and rescue station covers the entire scenic area and six surrounding communities. Jiang said her first field assignment nearly made her quit after a shop owner reacted angrily when she and her teammates pointed out fire hazards.

Firefighters carry out a fire safety awareness campaign. [Photo provided to Tide News]

"They thought female firefighters were just for show and did not understand or cooperate with our work," said Jiang. Back at the station, older teammates encouraged her to earn recognition through professional knowledge and patience.

Since then, the team has continued training in fire safety regulations and practical skills. Now Jiang and her teammates can use AEDs, bandage wounds, handle small fires, and carry out routine safety checks.

Jiang said she now gets more thumbs-up from visitors while patrolling Lu Xun Native Place, which she takes as encouragement.