Beachgoers wear balaclavas to protect their faces from the sun

Rex Features
Rex Features



Tourists in China have been spotted wearing balaclavas on the beach in a bizarre summer holiday trend.

Swimmers in the eastern Chinese city of Qingdao made waves on the internet for their bizarre swimming gear: colourful, full-face masks dubbed the 'facekini'.

The fabric masks cover a swimmer's entire head and neck down to the collar bones. Holes are cut for the eyes, nostrils and mouth.

Women sporting the facekini say that the masks not only helps them from getting tanned, but also prevents them getting stung by jellyfish.

The facekinis come in a variety of colours and prints, and sell for up to £2.50 on beaches in China.

Rex Features
Rex Features



And it is not the only bizarre head gear available for tourists. The Ostrich Pillow was designed for travellers to take power naps at the airport in peace.

The quirky invention is placed on the head allowing you to comfortably rest your head on any surface, while blocking out visual and aural distractions.

But, unfortunately, it does also make you appear to be wearing a padded balaclava, or like you're an extra from The Fly.

Ali Ganjavian, co-founder and designer at studio Kawamura-Ganjavian, says: "Seeing as we all spend more and more time at work, in front of a computer screen or in transit and less time relaxing, we thought why not create something that helps us recharge. That's how the Ostrich Pillow came to life."

A spokesman told Rex Features: "It is neither a pillow, nor cushion, bed or garment, but a bit of each, all at the same time. It's soothing cave-like interior shelters and isolates both your head and hands, perfect for a power nap.


Facekini Craze Sweeps China
Facekini Craze Sweeps China


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