While Westerners love to bronze, Chinese beachgoers are going all out to

While Westerners love to bronze, Chinese beachgoers are going all out to shield themselves from the sun’s rays with colorful nylon face masks. In some cultures, a tan suggests a life of outdoor peasant work, while a pale complexion implies luxury and success.

The thin masks are sold for $2 to $4 at local swim shops, while some women make their own.

The coverings are also handy as protection against insects and jellyfish.

The ‘face-kini’ was reportedly invented about seven years ago, and is now under mass production.

French newspaper Le Monde says the head-cover reflects “an ancient sentiment in China, like numerous other countries: a terror of tanning.”

The masks allow beachgoers to enjoy the water and sand — without the tanning effects of the sun.

Eww! Would you wear that?

via www.reuters.com