Girls In Training, or “Speak English, Feel Beautiful”

July is fast approaching and for certain girls across China, it's time to put the finishing touches on a few months of grueling training as they ready themselves for the big events next month will bring. Here’s what it looks like behind the scenes as train attendants get ready for the launch of the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed rail and contestants for the Miss China Universe pageant practice their English.

The “high-speed sisters” pictured above are just a few of the attendants you'll see when taking the new high-speed train to Shanghai. All attendants are female, 19-22 years old, and at least 165cm (5’5’’). The girls are also required to smile with only 6-8 teeth showing, smile with their eyes, and "have the ability to carry out talent shows." Not to be confused with the following girls …

The contestants in the Miss China Universe pageant are in Beijing for training, including English lessons. With shirts displaying the motto “Speak English, Feel Beautiful,” these girls will also be on display in July and are expected to smile well and display their talents. If pageant life fails, these girls seem ready to hop on board to work on the high-speed train. At least, thanks to their English teacher's diligent efforts, we can be sure they know the word "China."

Photos: CFP, People.com.cn, Jin Liangkuai/Xinhua