Nude swimming area planned By Han Lei (Chinadaily.com.cn) Updated: 2006-07-04 11:00
![A woman flushes upon reading a notice that says: "Naked Swimming Allowed (for males)" at a scenic spot in Lin'an city, East China's Zhejiang Province, August 4, 2004. [newsphoto]](xin_240703041105186827323.jpg) A woman
flushes upon reading a notice that says: "Naked Swimming Allowed (for
males)" at a scenic spot in Lin'an city, East China's Zhejiang Province,
in this August 4, 2004 file photo. A plan for setting up China's
first nude swimming area in East China's Zhejiang Province had to be
aborted due to strong public
opposition.[newsphoto/file] |
Tourists to a scenic spot in Southwest China's Guizhou Province may have the
opportunity to experience nature more intimately with the opening of a nude-only
swimming area by the end of July, the Guizhou City News reported Monday.
The planned site is in a valley along the Fengzhuan River in Duyun, according
to sources from a local travel resources development company.
Male and female swimmers will be separated, the Guizhou Metropolis News
reported on Monday. Photography is banned and "neatly dressed" spectators are
also considered persona non grata.
Though there is no law banning nude swimming or nude beaches in China, the
practice is still controversial.
Two years ago, a plan for setting up China's first nude swimming area in East
China's Zhejiang Province had to be aborted due to strong public opposition.
Many people expressed their objection to the idea because they think this
kind of openness goes too far and should be condemned.
However, there are also supporters for nude swimming.
Wang Lu, a civil servant in Shanghai expressed his understanding of the idea.
"I can accept such an idea. This is just a personal choice for relaxation and
a way to be closer with the nature," he told chinadaily.com.cn reporter on
Monday.
"As long as the swimmers do no harm to others, I will not oppose it," he
added.
However, he said he would not join the nude swimmers himself.
Located in southern Guizhou Province, Duyun city has a rich ethnic
culture, with 68 per cent of residents belonging to the Miao ethnic minority
group. The population around the planned nude-swimming area is sparse and local
residents have a long tradition of taking baths in the river during the summer.
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