It was -20 C in the city of Changchun, Jilin province, at 5:15 am, but Deng Tianzuo was starting the workday at an intersection as an auxiliary policeman, making sure the traffic flow was smooth, something he's been doing routinely for the past 7 years.

Deng Tianzuo, Changchun auxiliary policeman, doing early morning exercise at a gym, on Jan 15. [Photo/Xinhuanet]

The 37-year-old gets up early in the morning, does some exercise, arrives half an hour before his shift starts, tidies his place at the intersection up, and gets on with his standard gestures.

Deng ironing his clothes before work to keep himself tidy.

It may be a freezing cold day, but he insists on doing his duty and says he doesn't feel that cold because he's moving around constantly.

Helping a woman with a child get across the street.

In the past, Deng tried several jobs -- librarian, private teacher and other work -- but says it was not "satisfying", whereas now, with this work, ha says he's found a sense of belongings and his personal worth.

Speaking with another transport policeman in his daily work.

During his lunch break, he has to change his boots to keep his freezing feet warm, but, "It's nothing really, since I'm enjoying the job since I always wanted to join the real police force."

The man is directing the traffic at night peak time.