They are the beacons of dedication who help keep one of China's major shipping routes free from trouble at sea. The staff of the Dagu lighthouse off the Dagukou anchorage work month-long shifts keeping the ships around the waters of Tianjin safe. The lighthouse, whose tower is 38.3 meters tall, was built in 1971 and put into operation in 1978. It was the first sea lighthouse developed by China, and the only one with guards. All of the six lighthouse keepers have worked here for more than 20 years. They are divided into three groups who work one month shifts at a time. [Photo/Xinhua]