Bare necessities

Naturist forums strictly ban the posting of photos of a sexual nature. In a nudist colony, one is not supposed to leer at another person or say anything provocative.

No sexual activities are allowed in public, not even between couples. Some groups even prohibit dancing or alcohol drinking for fear that they may lead to fondling.

Many approach naturist groups with sexual curiosity. For example, many men would inquire about female members in a group. They would back away once they find out no female has signed up for a group gathering.

On the other hand, the appearance of a pretty young woman would invariably attract a lot of attention.

A 24-year-old Beijing woman named Xiu-xiu went to a group spa, her first nudist event, and disrobed while eating. Some men noticed this and joked that she was "burning with sexual desire".

"Nothing is pure," she says afterwards. "It is human nature. But why can men walk around bare-chested and women cannot?"

Among those who lean toward nudism but balk at taking it all off are people uncomfortable with their own bodies. "I'd do it if I'm physically fit," some would say.

In a larger picture, Chinese society, unlike the ancient Greeks, does not celebrate the human body. While some can accept the aesthetic beauty of the supermodel type in artistically tasteful arrangements, most tend to treat a regular nude as an ugly sight, something to be covered up.

There is essentially no tradition in China of enjoying the nude for what it is — other than a sexual object.

There are occasions where public nudity is accepted, such as in public bathhouse where people of the same gender shower or bathe together without any awkwardness. But with widespread indoor plumbing and private bathrooms, this, too, is dying out.

"Most people believe nudism has to be associated with sex," says Fang Gang. "Deep down, we still adopt an attitude of mystery and sexual objectification toward nudism. And beyond that, we tend to paint sex in a negative light."

Li Yinhe, another renowned sexologist, says that Chinese culture has always been conservative toward nudity with the possible exception of the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) with its sexually suggestive fashion and dance moves.

"Whether you regard the human body as beautiful or ugly, it should not be used as a moral guide for nudism.

The bottom line is whether such an activity infringes on others. If nudism does not hurt others, it is not immoral.

Even if 99 percent of the population may not like it, they should still respect the choice of the 1 percent," Li says.

Meanwhile, many Chinese naturists admit they are made to "feel like thieves", either in private homes or stripping just long enough in nature to take a photo or two.

All they want, says Fang Gang, is a natural environment that is relatively private, maybe an uninhabited island.

Contact the writer at raymondzhou@chindadaily.com.cn.