Millions of Chinese are venturing to the beach for the first time
China’s beach culture is a microcosm of society
A man with a giant tattoo of a carp jumping over a dragon is making a video of himself standing in the water, a green inflatable ring around his waist. As he films, waves move up the shore and catch the black flip-flops he has left on the sand. He grabs at one, but the water pulls the other out of reach. It is 7am and the competition is on, selfie versus shoe. The sandal floats out into the South China Sea.
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This article appeared in the Christmas Specials section of the print edition under the headline “Beside the seaside”
Christmas Specials December 23rd 2023
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From the December 23rd 2023 edition
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