Why do the Chinese like to walk around with their bellies bare (17 photos)
“Anyone who finds themselves in a Chinese city in the heat of the day is bound to encounter one of these men—mostly middle-aged, wearing a T-shirt pulled up to their chests to show off their fat bellies. This “refreshing” technique has become so widespread that it even received an official name – “Beijing bikini”. 
"Beijing bikini"
With these words begins a rather large article, which was published last summer on the pages of the French publication Le Monde. And, I must say, journalists from France were far from the only ones who paid attention to another Chinese trend. 
"Beijing bikini"
Although the entire progressive world has long been accustomed to oddities on the part of Asians, which are usually reflected in their appearance (after all, this is why many people love modern Chinese culture!), and even often adopts some especially original tricks, in this In this case, the “Beijing bikini” was criticized both by foreign observers and by the Chinese authorities, who considered this trend not only inappropriate, but also very unaesthetic. Well, I think it’s time to learn a little more about this phenomenon... 
"Beijing bikini"
So, first, let’s figure out what a “Beijing bikini” is. At a certain point, this ironic term began to be used to describe the practice of middle-aged Chinese men, in hot weather and, of course, in public places, to tuck up their T-shirt or tank top to their chest, exposing their belly as much as possible. This method supposedly allows them to cool the body more effectively, and therefore more easily endure the summer heat. 
"Beijing bikini"
It is curious that this practice is widespread, as I mentioned above, exclusively among middle-aged men (young people still do not find it attractive), who also have prominent bellies. Apparently, the larger the abdomen, the more effective cooling it requires! 
"Beijing bikini"
It is difficult to say exactly when this phenomenon appeared in China, but researchers of Chinese culture are already voicing several versions. According to the first, the practice of exposing the belly is directly related to ancient Chinese beliefs, which are adhered to by the adult population of the Middle Kingdom. So in traditional Chinese medicine, the stomach is a container for hot Qi energy circulating around the internal organs. 
"Beijing bikini"
During the summer heat, when the temperature of both the body and the environment increases significantly, a person needs to more effectively get rid of hot energy or, philosophically speaking, throw out excess negativity. By exposing the stomach or, excuse me, the container, a person throws out negative energy outward and receives a new charge of health and positive emotions. 
"Beijing bikini"
There is also a more down-to-earth version, which, in essence, echoes the previous one, but sounds more believable. The "Beijing bikini" was created by working-class Chinese who decided that this way of wearing T-shirts and shirts would help them cool down both during and after a busy day at work. 
"Beijing bikini"
Actually, this trend very quickly became popular not only among the working class, but also among all representatives of the male population of China. Moreover, despite the name, not only in Beijing, but also in other cities - in Jinan, Tianjin, Shenyang and so on. 
"Beijing bikini"
In fact, the reason for the appearance and wide spread of the “Beijing bikini” is not so important. Another thing is that this phenomenon literally “split” traditional Chinese society into two camps. Some, including city authorities, believe that such behavior is unacceptable because it is “uncivilized” and “unaesthetic”and causes significant damage to the appearance and image of the city in general or the province in particular. 
"Beijing bikini"
Others, on the contrary, do not agree with the condemnation of the “Beijing bikini”, believing that, firstly, this is part of Chinese culture, which the Western world should accept and respect, and secondly, this phenomenon is not such an important problem that requires government intervention. 
"Beijing bikini"
And, nevertheless, some steps were taken by the local government. So, for example, in Tianjin, rules were introduced according to which a very specific fine of 200 yuan (about $28) was imposed on a citizen for appearing shirtless in a public place. 
"Beijing bikini"
Authorities in Jinan, Shandong Province, thanks to the support of the media and public organizations, notified local residents that if they do not dress appropriately in public, in parks, squares, commercial districts and other densely populated areas, they will face financial penalties . According to the Jinan government, even partial nudity (or in our case, lifting up shirts and T-shirts) in public places will be considered a crime. 
"Beijing bikini"
Local officials in Handan, Hebei Province, decided to take a more creative approach to solving the problem and launched a TV commercial calling on older men to abandon the practice of the “Beijing bikini.” According to the plot of the video, a young girl introduces a young man to her father for the first time, who is walking in a public park without a shirt. “Is this really your father? He is so uncultured and so disrespectful to others!” - the potential son-in-law is indignant. At the end of the video, the father finally agrees to put on the T-shirt and wear it properly. 
"Beijing bikini"
Well, in Beijing they didn’t bother too much and simply published images of men in “Beijing bikinis” in the hope of at least shaming them a little in this way. By the way, Chinese youth supported this initiative, since middle-aged and older men, or, as they are called on social networks, “topless grandfathers,” cause negativity and disgust in them. Moreover, during the next survey, young Chinese citizens named the “Beijing bikini” one of the most annoying antisocial habits. 
"Beijing bikini"
In fact, the “Beijing bikini” has long been a truly “world bikini”, since its followers can be found in every corner of the globe. The logic of the behavior of people who expose themselves in public and in places not intended for this purpose is not completely clear to me personally. 
"Beijing bikini"
Perhaps the whole point is a lack of upbringing, or, most likely, banal selfishness: they feel good, and it doesn’t matter how it looks from the outside and what others think. Moreover, they hardly think about how unpleasant they appear in the eyes of others or that people may find their actions offensive. 
"Beijing Bikini" performed by Europeans
