The Chinese at the Beach: an Ethnographical Study

Full Title: The Chinese at the Beach: an Ethnographical Study into the Rituals, Attitudes, and Behaviors of Chinese People on the beach in Sanya, Hainan

Disclaimer: this is very biased and quite generalized. Bear with me. This was my first Chinese tourist beach experience and I learned a lot.

Chapter 1: Clothing.

When one typically thinks of “beach”, that person may envision blue skies, light breeze, the sound of waves against the white sand, bikinis, tanning lotion, sunscreen mixing with the salt water, sarongs, beach hats and more.

A beach:

My observations at the Chinese beach of Dadonghai in Sanya, China, have shown me another side to this word “beach.” It is culturally understood that whiteness is beautiful in China. There are whitening lotions, whitening dyes and so on. Therefore, tanning at the beach is a big no- no. What’s more, the beach is a holiday and therefore holiday clothes are a must. I observed everything from evening gowns to suits to matching hawaiian shirt/shorts, and all in between. Hats of all shapes and sizes were sold. Finally the matching couples outfits- what a hit!

When swimming, it is acceptable for chinese men to wear boxer-brief sized swim trunks, but women were covered, some even donning a swim face mask to avoid the sun. 

Turns out I was quite a spectacle in my two piece bathing suit in the sun, and had many pictures snapped of me while relaxing. Awkward, to say the least.

Note: there has been much controversy over some Chinese nudists at Dadong beach. In fact, we observed many groups of older, fit chinese men wearing something resembling speedos/banana hammocks, letting as much skin as possible roll in the sand and tan in the sun. Pictures not included.

Chapter 2: Accessories

First of all, Sanya is well known for coconuts. Therefore, a constant accessory for every chinese tourist walking on the boardwalk or beach was a coconut.

Secondly, umbrellas. Necessary to stay un-tanned, as well as a lovely accessory for any outfit.

Third, swimming equipment. Every Chinese person entering the water had a set of goggles. The majority also carried some type of floating device, regardless of age or swim ability. However, when I went in the water to swim laps with my goggles on, I received many stares, lots of comments, and of course, more people taking photos of me.

Chapter 3: Activities

I observed many beach-like activities in Sanya. Most common was digging a large hole, running in and out of the water, going on walks in matching outfits, playing violin, and of course- taking selfies. Selfies are taken in the morning sunshine, in the rain, in the evening blackness, all times, all day.

So there you have the preview of my cultural study in Sanya. Be sure to check back when I write about Chinese tour groups at the Great Wall, Chinese dinning habits, and Chinese subway etiquette.