Zhou Yuchen, 19, is the only female soldier at Zhuanghe checkpoint in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province. She arrived in June after joining the army last December.

Away from her parents, Zhou received training like her male counterparts. "This is the path I have chosen for myself," Zhou said.

Recalling stories her grandfather told her about Chinese soldiers, Zhou harbors intense sentiments for the distinguished veterans of Guangrongyuan (literal meaning: honored home), a nursing home for retired soldiers and their families in Zhuanghe. Zhou's checkpoint has built a long-term relationship with Guangrongyuan for providing care. On weekends, Zhou rarely goes shopping but spends much of her spare time looking after elderly residents there.

Zhou has become a familiar face since coming here half a year ago, and her tender care touches many. To the residents of Guangrongyuan, Zhou is like a surrogate granddaughter.

In fact, there are some nurses on staff, but the elderly will feel greater love if more people would like to attend to them, according to Zhou.