Blazing a trail

With the slogan "No one is born a hero", the reality show tells stories of how ordinary individuals grow into heroes who find strength to persevere despite the obstacles they face.

"I dreamed of becoming a hero when I was a child," says Zhang Yanqi, one of the novices, adding that firefighters who put their own lives in jeopardy to keep families and properties safe are true heroes.

He recalls one memorable moment as a firefighter. One day, when responding to an emergency, a young girl who passed by said "thank you" to Zhang Yanqi and his co-workers.

"At that moment, I found the work so fulfilling," he says. "When I got to help other people as a fireman, I realized my childhood dream."

Qin, another participant, says that he has had to arrange his life according to strict rules since joining the show.

"Although it takes time for me to adjust to the new, highly self-disciplined lifestyle and intensive physical training, hopefully I can become stronger and have the ability to protect people around me," he adds.