Party chief says normal people don't swim nude

"Normal" people don't swim or sunbathe in the nude, according to Hainan Province's Party chief, adding to controversy over Sanya City's recent ban on such behavior on public beaches.

Luo Baoming, Party Secretary of the southern province, came out in support of the ban yesterday and pledged to eliminate any "uncivilized" behavior in Hainan, according to China News Service.

Sanya urban administration officials and police have distributed leaflets saying nude bathing is banned after photos posted by tourists attracted attention on the Internet.

Opinion was divided, with many people saying nudity was embarrassing and a harassment, especially for children, while others said it was a signal that Chinese beaches were more "liberated and international" than before.

Supporters of the ban said not all customs imported from overseas were suitable for the local culture.

A man surnamed Zhou told China News Service that he dared not walk close to the beaches when visiting with his wife and daughter, and said such behavior should be banned.

But some said the Party chief was too intolerant and the ban could "damage" Hainan's reputation as a tourist attraction. They suggested Sanya open a special beach for nude bathers.

"I noticed a certain website attracted some 17,000 clicks in half a day," Luo was quoted as saying. "Such behavior is immoral in Chinese culture and should not be allowed."

He said people who didn't comply with the ban should be forced to leave or taken into custody.