Photo taken underwater on Dec. 9, 2020 shows Liu Lan performing as a mermaid in Poseidon Underwater World in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. (Photo by Yan Wenzhi/Xinhua)
HARBIN, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- From 2010 on, Liu Lan works underwater over four hours a day as a "mermaid" performer, a job much more demanding than it looks. To qualify for the job, one must have diving skills and, in rare occasions, cope with sudden attacks from underwater creatures. Taking shower for at least four times a day makes Liu's skin vulnerable, and, for the safety of sea animals, shower gel and skin care products with chemical elements are strictly not allowed in her work.
Born in the 1980s in Jiangxian County of Shanxi, Liu learned swimming from her father and worked as a swimming coach while in college. A "mermaid" performer has to meet strict standards, such as good body shape and physical wellness. However, the lack of professional training organizations has led to a shortage of talents.
As an internationally qualified "mermaid" performer, Liu finished training tasks for over 400 "mermaid" lovers and performers as well as 161 "mermaid" coaches with international certificates.
Liu Lan (R) and her colleagues preview the actions in Poseidon Underwater World in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 10, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Song)
Liu Lan dries her hairs after performing as a mermaid in Poseidon Underwater World in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 10, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Song)
Photo taken underwater on Dec. 3, 2020 shows Liu Lan performing as a mermaid in Poseidon Underwater World in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. (Photo by Yang Lu/Xinhua)
Photo taken on Dec. 10, 2020 shows Liu Lan preparing before performing as a mermaid in Poseidon Underwater World in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. (Xinhua/Wang Song)
Liu Lan warms up before performing as a mermaid in Poseidon Underwater World in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 10, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Song)
Photo taken on Dec. 10, 2020 shows Liu Lan preparing before performing as a mermaid in Poseidon Underwater World in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. (Xinhua/Wang Song)
Liu Lan cleans her eyes after performing as a mermaid in Poseidon Underwater World in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 10, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Song)
Liu Lan (L) and her colleagues warm up before performing in Poseidon Underwater World in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 10, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Song)
Liu Lan designs actions and routes of performing as a mermaid in Poseidon Underwater World in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 10, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Song)
Liu Lan (L) exchanges with colleagues the skills of performing as a mermaid in Poseidon Underwater World in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 10, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Song)
Liu Lan exchanges with her colleagues before performing as a mermaid in Poseidon Underwater World in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 10, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Song)
Liu Lan(R) interacts with colleagues performing as mermaids in Poseidon Underwater World in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 10, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Song)■
