More than 200 soldiers newly-stationed in Pingtan county, Fujian province, received swimming lessons at a natatorium in Cuiyuan Park.

The park has been used as a training ground for soldiers in Pingtan for free in the past few years. It will always remain free of charge for the soldiers, according to Lin Xinjun, the natatorium's boss, who harbors a strong attachment to the army.

"When I was little, the army in my hometown often helped my family. I developed close ties with the soldiers," said Lin.

"I wished to become a soldier, but eventually didn't make it due to certain reasons, which led to a stronger admiration for the army," he added.

So even if a swimming training session takes up a whole morning and washes away thousands of yuan in profit to the natatorium, Lin admits, he doesn't care.

"As long as the natatorium is in operation, the soldiers are always welcome free of charge," he said.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Micheal Thai