Beijing residents and tourists are embracing the hottest new fashion trend of summer – “facekini”.
By Daphne ClaranceTaking the sunscreen regime to the next level are Beijing’s skincare fanatics who have come up with an innovative way to protect the skin amid the heatwave.
As the mercury soars in Beijing, breaking records with temperatures rising above 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) and ground surface temperatures reaching a scorching 80 degrees Celsius in some parts of China, residents and tourists are resorting to beat the heat with innovative sun protection.
The hottest new fashion trend sweeping the city is the “facekini,” a full-face mask made from UV-resistant fabric, designed to protect the wearer from the sun’s harmful rays.
Facekinis, which feature holes for the eyes and nose, have become a popular sight on the streets of Beijing.
These masks, along with separate sleeves to cover arms, wide-brimmed hats, and lightweight jackets made from UV-resistant fabric, are being embraced by people seeking to shield themselves from the intense heat, according to The Guardian.
Some hats even come equipped with built-in fans, adding a touch of modern technology to traditional sun protection methods.
The surge in popularity of these sun protection items has been a boon for local businesses. A salesperson named Wang, who works at a hat shop, told The Guardian that sales volume this year is “significantly higher than in previous years, particularly compared to the period before the pandemic.”
The trend is not just about comfort and protection, it also reflects cultural preferences. Many women in East Asia, including neighbouring South Korea, prefer having fair skin.
As 17-year-old student Li Xuyan explained while visiting a tourist area in Beijing with her mother, both donning face-covering masks, their main concern is avoiding potential skin diseases or developing sunspots.
Meanwhile, the extreme heat has become a tourist attraction in itself. Chinese state television recently showed tourists taking selfies next to a 12-metre-tall thermometer displaying a real-time surface temperature of 80 degrees Celsius at the Flaming Mountains in Xinjiang.
Despite the scorching heat, the fascination with these soaring temperatures continues to draw crowds.
Rodrigo Wolf
Kole Prosacco