| China's flag is considered a national treasure and significant energy is put into
both guarding and revering it. An elite team of soldiers has even been assigned to carry
out the task. Becoming a color guard is a serious event and a matter of national pride.
The selection process is grueling, particularly as ideological purity and physical fitness
are top considerations. 
In Beijing the flag is ceremoniously raised and lowered every day in Tiananmen
Square - sunrise varies from 4:46am to 7:36am and sunset from 4:46pm to 7:36pm. The
tradition is a spectacular display of precision and control - three soldiers perform the
task with a backup compliment of 32 additional guards.
In addition to raising the national flag every day, the color guards are also
tasked with safeguarding the flag by standing at the base of the flagpole. Under normal
circumstances, each soldier stands guard twice a day and once at night. Duty usually lasts
two hours, or in special cases, three to four hours.
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