Four things: a UV-protective jacket, a broad-brimmed bucket hat, quick-dry hiking pants, and a mask —made up my look at a stream hiking trip in the suburbs of Beijing two weeks ago. Most people in that team of 30 members turned out like that.
Not long ago, on the opposite side of the world, it were four other things I had on: a tank top, a baseball hat, yoga pants, and a wide-big smiling face. Do what the Californians do. They say.
Looking at myself nowadays, to make things worse, I even often carry umbrellas with me, something I used to make fun of. “Very Chinese. Absolutely Chinese,” I would say, on beaches and parks abroad, thinking about how unnecessary it was. “Just let it tan, no?”
Now, I AM the umbrella lady.
How did I go “down” this route?
To defend, the most obvious reason is Beijing has become way too hot this year. In June alone, we had a few rounds of heat waves with temperatures reaching 37 degrees Celsius. Beijing’s temperature hit a record high last year, increasing by 1 degree on average compared to the previous year. This year doesn’t look particularly hopeful either. I have learned my lesson and agreed that sleeves are quite essential, especially when you need to cross Beijing's many wide streets, which often lack any protection from trees.
Also, that is what is trending in town, judging from what is being sold in shops. My parents visited me the other day, and as usual, we went hanging out at malls. UV-protective jackets are the star products at a few sports apparel shops. Whatever is on central display looks legitimate.
Plus, they say when you reach the age of 30, you need to take care of your skin. The sun does no good to it. So… a tan is no longer cool for me now?
Coincidentally, I have seen some discussions on Chinese camping styles recently. A few authors and podcasters have described the must-bring things for Chinese campers — not bread or simple ingredients that would make a basic sandwich or hot dog — but hotpot stoves or BBQ stoves, and bags of fresh groceries that would make a lavish hotpot or BBQ meal.
Having been camping a few times in the last few years organised by outdoor clubs, that sounded true to me as well. Not to mention the increasingly common stainless-steel coffee dripper that is championed by the glamping crowd in China. To camp, is to feast, and to take good social media photos. And hiking might not be part of the camping package, but karaoke is often included.
I guess no one is cooler. Just do whatever makes you happy outside of work.