Before you get confused and start to think of the Beijing Bikini as some kind of Asian-designed bikini for women, here’s a quick intro from Quora:

For the uninitiated, men all around China take part in the custom of walking around in public in the summertime with their bellies exposed.

Instead of taking off their shirts, men will roll up their shirts halfway up their torsos in order to expose their midriffs. And although men of all ages do it, the ones with the biggest bellies are always the most prominent.

I must say I can relate – when I have a jog on warmer days, I have been known to lift the bottom of my T-shirt and tie a cheeky little knot to keep it there.

It sits just above my four-pack.

So, here’s an example of the Beijing Bikini in action:

Now as famous as the BB is, it seems that its existence is under threat. Listen to this from CNN:

But in a city in China’s eastern Shandong province, Beijing bikini lovers — and those who forgo tops altogether — have fallen out of favor with the local authorities.

On Tuesday, authorities in Jinan — a city of 8.7 million — issued a notice ordering the public to keep their shirts on in public places. It came as temperatures rose to a sweltering 36C (96F) this week.

Authorities said they planned to crack down on “improper dressing in public places,” which included “shirtlessness” and “wanton exposure of body parts.” Public bickering, jumping queues, littering, and “uncivilized dog walking” are also being targeted under the notice, which is aimed at enhancing the image of the city.

Hectic – although fans of the Beijing Bikini were quick to emphasise its benefits, you know, with regards to climate change.

“Being shirtless cuts more carbon emissions than turning on AC,” one commenter said, while another added “Let the old people be free.”

Brilliant.

Nobody likes change, and when it comes to something with such rich traditions, change is even harder.

We wish Beijing Bikini fans the best of luck with the path ahead.

To end, we give you our top six Beijing Bikini photos.

Stomach out, chest in.

[sources:quora&cnn]