"Having a female bodyguard is a bit like having a sister," Chinese security entrepreneur Wen Cui told the BBC in November. "They can watch out for you." Read more about a growing trend.

China Daily via Reuters
Trainees dressed in swimsuits run through waves under the direction of a trainer from Tianjiao Special Guard/Security Consultant Ltd. Co. during a training session in Sanya, Hainan province, China on Jan. 8, 2012. According to the company, a total of 20 women, mostly college graduates, participated in the training session on Sunday, which was the first open group training for female bodyguards in China. All trainees will have to undergo 10 months of training to develop sufficient skills to serve their clients. The company will offer the best trainee a chance to attend further study at the International Security Academy in Israel.