'face-Kini' Beach Balaclava Craze

[Raistlin]

While most people strip off when heading to the seaside, beachgoers in China are covering up in masks and full body suits to avoid harmful UV rays.

Colourful: Chinese beachgoers wearing body suits

Dubbed the 'face-kini', the new craze is sweeping across China as the most efficient way to avoid the damaging effects of the sun.

The full body suits and protective head masks are proving extremely popular with visitors to beaches across Qingdao, in north-east China's Shandong province.

The protective head mask has been dubbed the 'face-kini'

According to state-run broadcaster China Radio International, the beach balaclavas were initially designed to combat sunburn, but are also extremely effective at repelling insects and jellyfish.

'The weather is too hot, the first thing I do each day is to swim in the sea,' explained 62-year-old Qingdao resident Zhang Guilan.

The new craze is sweeping across China (Picture: AFP).

The special swimwear was originally designed several years ago but is only just starting to catch on across the country, added Ms Guilan.

Chinese media outlets have likened people wearing the colourful suits, which feature mouth and eye holes, to characters from a sci-fi movie.

The suits are also quite handy at repelling insects and jellyfish (Picture: AFP).

Shops across the province have stocked up on the sun protectors with demand for the suits continuing to grow steadily.

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[Parts-King]

Some people are in need of a face kini............Where is Vic when you need a face to cover? :D:

[Bizarra]

Stabbed in the back when you thought I was absent without leave :ffs:

Couldn't face me, Huh? I apologise for that one

[Parts-King]

Vic.......your back!!

Raist made me say it..........so did Bali........honest!!!

[Bizarra]

May God have mercy on your soul If that pair have control over you :lol2: :D

[Raistlin]

He's very weak willed ....