By Chen Xieyuan
Any recent visitor to Beijing must have noticed the frenzy of skyscrapers being built in the city's Central Business District.
An overview of the under-construction China Zun. /CGTN Photo
The one that stands out the most is the China Zun building. Workers have just pushed it past the 500 meters mark, bringing it to 104 floors.
That means it's close to hitting its ultimate skyward reach of 528 meters and 108 floors, which will make it the highest skyscraper in Beijing, and a landmark characterizing the city for many years to come.
China Zun under construction. /CGTN Photo
The workers who devote themselves to building the China Zun building have their own story, and it takes place from the early hours of the morning, to the darkness of midnight.
Crane operator Xu Zhangfei is one of more than 1,000 workers on the construction project.
"I take the catwalk all the way to the top. Every time I feel nervous, with my heart jumping. But at the top of the building, I have a beautiful view of Beijing at my feet.”
A panoramic view from the China Zun. /CGTN Photo
“Some people may say, 'This guy is so brave to go that high.' But for us, it’s our job. I can proudly say, when you look at a steel beam or a pane of glass, it was us who put it there. The entire building wouldn’t exist without our work.
“Responsibility is a must and the ability to deal with loneliness. We have to keep our spirits up, as we have the lives of others in our hands."
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