Tourist draw needs new pulling power

Successful applicants, Chinese or foreign, will have to show their determination to pull ahead of rivals, have street sense and prove their stamina - this is not a job for the faint-hearted.

The biggest rickshaw company in Beijing's tourist attraction Shichahai, is hiring foreign and local college graduates. Ten foreigners, mostly from English-speaking countries, have submitted applications, company spokeswoman Ling Min said.

But the work entails more than physical ability. Knowledge of local culture and history is also required for a position on the elite Houhai Eight.