China has had many heroes and exemplary individuals in its military who have served the country during times of war, such as Huang Jiguang and Dong Cunrui, who sacrificed themselves for victory, inspiring generations to come.

In times without conflict, however, China's armed forces are no less dedicated and diligent in their overriding mission of defending the motherland.

One such individual is Zhang Cancan, who in July was named one of the 12 "most beautiful revolutionary soldiers of the new era" by the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Political Work Department of the Central Military Commission.

Since 2021, this designation has been awarded to outstanding members of the People's Liberation Army who are considered models of dedication, skills and service.

In his 23-year career, Zhang has risen from being an ordinary soldier to a battalion commander in the PLA Ground Force's 76th combined corps. He's played an exemplary role in guiding his fellow troops and cultivating great soldiers, winning the trust of those under his command.

Born in 1984, Zhang joined the army in 2002. He has taken part in a dozen major operations and missions, from earthquake rescue to large-scale military exercises.

His name, Cancan, means "to shine" in Chinese, and he has done his name proud.

Over the past 14 years as an officer, he has trained various skilled personnel, and fellow soldiers describe him as "sharp yet steady", a reflection of both his professional skills and personal character.

One incident in 2020, in particular, left a deep impression on his unit. During a mission on a plateau more than 5,000 meters above sea level, a soldier fainted from acute altitude sickness. Vehicles were stuck in soft, melted snow, making it impossible to reach the stricken man by road, Zhang recalled.

Faced with the urgent situation, Zhang decided he needed to deliver the oxygen himself. He took a 14-kilogram oxygen tank and ran 2.5 kilometers through a river valley at an altitude of 5,300 meters to reach the stricken soldier within 20 minutes. Zhang's actions saved the soldier's life.

Wang Meng, 27, a soldier in Zhang's unit, said he treats his men like family. "He cares for his soldiers like an elder brother, shielding them from hardship like an umbrella," he said.

One of Zhang's defining traits is his hands-on approach. During a training demonstration last year, when a soldier sustained a deep chin wound, he sprinted to summon an ambulance himself rather than leaving the task to others.

Zhang said his understanding of soldiers' struggles comes from having walked the same path.

"Though we live like brothers, I take training very seriously," he said.

As a young recruit more than 20 years ago, he trained even during downtime, spurred on by a leader who saw his potential. At the time, the constant demands made little sense to him, but later he realized that overcoming hardship prepared him for success. He now shares those experiences with young soldiers when they feel exhausted.

The transition from soldier to commander has only deepened his sense of responsibility. "As more people stand behind me, I have to work harder and set an example," he said.

He Zhengcong, a 31-year-old soldier in Zhang's unit, said working under extreme exertion can take its toll. "His leadership style is absorbing pressure from superiors instead of passing it down, which has won respect among soldiers," said He. "When higher-ups criticize the whole unit, he shields us and offers constructive suggestions, even demonstrating the moves himself."

Zhang's humility and willingness to learn have also impressed seasoned soldiers. When he was assigned to an artillery company as a commander, Tan Linlin, a 37-year-old soldier who has served in the Ground Force for some 20 years, doubted his ability.

"He was completely new to our field when he became my leader," Tan said. "Confident in my own skills, I initially was not convinced by his abilities."

But Zhang approached the role as a beginner, asking for advice and practicing diligently. Within two months, he achieved three direct hits in a live-fire drill, earning Tan's respect. Afterward, the two trained side by side, learning from each other, with Zhang emerging as a role model for Tan.

"Combat readiness requires not only training but also the right mindset," Tan said. "With Zhang in charge, we feel reassured."

In both this year and last, Zhang ranked first in the brigade's annual training assessment among officers. Despite harsh plateau conditions, he uses every opportunity to build upon his experience, from physical drills to equipment testing, and has pushed forward efforts to modernize combat readiness.

"Our battalion carries the heritage of the Red Army," Zhang said. The battalion has participated in major historic battles, including the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53).

"I want every soldier to feel that pride and live up to the honorable title," he said.