Beijing reinstates swimwear prohibition in public areas, citing a need to curtail poor conduct
The "Beijing Bikini," a unique cultural practice where men roll up their shirts to expose their bellies in an attempt to cool off during hot summer months, has been making headlines in China[1][2][3][4][5].
Originating in parts of China, particularly Beijing, this unconventional cooling method has become a common sight during the sweltering summer months when temperatures often exceed 35°C. However, the practice has sparked controversy due to its perceived indecency, sloppiness, or inappropriateness in certain settings.
Cities like Tianjin, Handan, and Jinan have seen authorities cracking down on this practice as part of their campaign to rectify uncivilised behaviour and uphold public decorum[5]. In Tianjin, police have been fining shirtless men around 50 yuan (roughly €6.40) for breaking the rules. In Handan, a short film shows a young woman's boyfriend mocking her topless father for playing cards in a public park, while authorities have launched publicity campaigns to shame offenders.
The controversy surrounding the Beijing Bikini stems from the tension between its practicality as a cooling method and the desire to maintain a polished, respectable public appearance. Some argue that going shirtless to cool off is better for the environment than using air conditioning, while others maintain that it is a breach of public decency.
The debate has gone viral online, with netizens divided over whether to defend the practice or mock it. An American user even joked that the Beijing bikini should be added to American culture.
Despite the controversy, the Beijing Bikini has been spreading beyond China's borders, appearing in cities like New York, London, and Paris due to global heatwaves. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether this cultural phenomenon will continue to thrive or fade away.
[1] https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3092643/chinas-beijing-bikini-men-rolling-their-shirts-up-their-bellies [2] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-50885153 [3] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/02/china-cracks-down-on-beijing-bikini-as-temperatures-soar [4] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-beijing-bikini-idUSKCN25L23R [5] https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/02/asia/beijing-bikini-china-crackdown-intl-hnk/index.html
- In light of the global heatwaves, some tourists might find the local practice of men rolling up their shirts, known as the Beijing Bikini, as a peculiar sight in cities like New York, London, and Paris.
- As the Beijing Bikini debate rages on, both supporters and critics portray their arguments through online mediums, with some advocating for its practicality as a cooling method and others mocking it for its perceived inappropriateness.
- While the Beijing Bikini has been embraced in certain cultures for its practicality in hot weather, others argue that its adoption may impact local lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty standards, and home-and-garden decorum.
- Despite authorities in China cracking down on the Beijing Bikini in cities like Tianjin and Handan, the cultural practice continues to persist amongst locals, sparking ongoing discussions about public decorum and personal freedom.
