Armed police brave the cold in grueling drill

Darkness and sharp wind couldn't stand in the way of the armed police in Shizuishan, Northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region, as the officers have been on a 15-day drill since Dec 13.

The temperature has dipped as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius but the officers have completed a 10-kilometer run in the frigid air every day, each carrying backpacks and guns - 15 kilograms in all - on their backs. When they reach their destination, their hair, eyebrows and protective face masks are covered with ice.