Editor's note: this article was translated from a story that appeared on wenxuecity.com and looks into a nudist beach in Sanya that has become popular with some mainland tourists. The article discusses whether or not this beach is a sign that traditional thinking in China is slowly changing.

In many Western countries, the concept of nudist beaches is pretty much accepted, though in China, the topic is still by and large taboo. Although the past few years have seen the emergence of similar "nude areas" across the country, these were little known to the general public and were often used as publicity stunts and to gain deliberate media attention.  Traditional thinking in China dictates that public displays of nudity should be seen as indecent and uncultured, though some people in the West see it simply as a return to nature, and a symbol of freedom.　

When looking at the history books, nudity can be seen across almost every spectrum from the Olympic Games to the famous sculptures and works of art. Perhaps it can be said that negative attitudes towards nudity resides simply in what certain people have come to believe due to the standards their culture has taught them to believe. No matter who you are however, we are born into this world naked.

Many nudists are northeast Chinese tourists

The nudist beach in Sanya was first started by holidaying foreigners. It is located about 50 meters away from the military building in Dadonghai. After a few years, Chinese people slowly began trickling in enjoy the sun in the nude, and now the beach is mostly populated by middle-aged Chinese men, though does occasionally attract the odd young person. However, the influence of traditional thinking is never too far away, as there are never any women here.

There are several reasons as to why people like to enjoy the sun in the nude here; one being the belief that it is good for the skin, that it's great for tanning purposes, and of course, for feeling at one with nature. Every year at the beginning of spring, many middle-aged mainlanders (particularly those from northeast China) flock here like migratory birds, with wealthy folk opting to buy apartments in Sanya so they can be a convenient stone's throw away from the beach.  

The nudist beach is also located very close to the popular tourist areas in Sanya, and many tourists often walk by fixating their stares at the nude sunbathers, who, by now are largely un-phased by all the attention. It seems that the often discussed issues of face and social image are truly thrown out the window here.     　

Local government neither supports nor objects to the beach

The Sanya local government have expressed neither support nor objection of the beach. Rejection of this beach would most likely be considered highly conservative, while blatant support could in turn be interpreted as a strong objection to traditional Chinese thinking. However, on the whole supporters of nudism in China still only make up a tiny fraction of the population.

Of course, standardization of such liberal thinking requires a lot of bravery from the local government, though the nudist beach represents a slow improvement in the breakdown of traditional thinking. If there is concern about causing offence to those not accustomed to nudity, then perhaps the government can erect a sign at the entry of the nudist area reminding tourists of what lies ahead. As long as it doesn't affect public safety, then tolerance of such social developments should be celebrated across the country.   

Source: Wenxuecity.com
 

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Keywords: nudist beach Sanya Sanya nudist beach