Here comes the sun bed
(That's Shanghai)
Updated: 2004-07-05 09:18

Skin-whitening creams and obligatory summer umbrellas may still be the norm. But as a tanning bed in Plaza 66's Fitness First slowly begins to draw Chinese customers, the sun-shy Shanghainese are being introduced to the ancient art of bronzing.

"Personally, I think tanned skin looks healthier and sportier, like you have more energy. It's really getting popular in China. It will become cool," says Zoe Shen, marketing manager at Fitness First, praising the looks of American bronze beauties like Jennifer Aniston and Charlize Theron.

Currently, the majority of the half dozen clients that come daily to soak up the spa's UV rays are foreign gym members or visiting expats. The Chinese that do use the tanning bed, says Shen, "are extremely well-dressed and hip. They are at the forefront of Chinese fashion."

Maintaining sun-kissed skin requires serious equipment and serious investment. A 12-minute session costs RMB 90 for gym members, RMB 110 for non-members. Other tanning options around town include the Portman Ritz-Carlton Fitness Centre, where 20 minutes' bronzing costs RMB 100. Or you could head to Physical, where RMB 400 will buy you 10 eight-minute sessions.

First-time users are required to fill out a health questionnaire, and Fitness First only allows one session per day. "You can definitely do too much," Shen says.

She adds that while the tanning trend is heating up, darker skin is not for everyone. "Some Chinese face shapes are not suitable for tanning. The Chinese people that use the tanning bed are very fashionable but their faces and bodies also look good tanned."

Jessie Jiang, a receptionist, takes the same diplomatic approach: "No matter who you are - Chinese or Western - if you like to tan and it suits you, you should do it. Of course, I prefer white skin myself."

As do many Chinese women and men. Ubiquitous aisles full of skin bleaching creams or pale makeup does not bode well for the future of sun worship in China. But Fitness First has it covered: the spa also offers an intensive whitening treatment for a mere RMB 550.

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