From veiled scholar hats to canopied backpacks, China’s obsession with sun protection is not a recent one
As record-high temperatures roast the Northern Hemisphere for yet another summer, Chinese people’s fastidious (and disturbing) methods for sun protection are again on display.
But whether it’s swimming in infamous “facekini” or wearing head-to-toe covering on sweltering days, China’s obsession with sun protection is a not recent one.
Since ancient history, where a proverb stated that “white skin covers a hundred blemishes (一白遮百丑),” paleness has been a prized physical characteristic that marked a person as high in social status, as it meant they didn’t have to toil in the sun. Consequently, ancient Chinese had various ingenious methods to protect themselves against sunlight and heat:
Sun Jiahui is a freelance writer and former editor at The World of Chinese. She writes about Chinese language, society and culture, and is especially passionate about sharing stories of China's ancient past with a wider audience. She has been writing for TWOC for over six years, and pens the Choice Chengyu column.
