They're Back! Facekinis Take Qingdao Beaches By Storm

Summer is here, which can only mean one thing: it's time to bust out the facekinis!

Yes, everyone's favorite summertime accessory is back in season as Qingdao residents flock to the beach for some (fully protected) fun in the sun.

Chinese beachgoers can often be seen sporting these masks in order to prevent getting a tan. (Pale complexion is seen as more favorable in Asia).

Facekinis were in the international spotlight a few years back following a hilarious piece from the New York Times on the trend. "A woman should always have fair skin," one facekini-wearer told the Times. “Otherwise people will think you’re a peasant.”

Since then, different variations of the masks have hit the market — including a Chinese opera version:

Then, of course, there were these high-end luxury facekinis that were popular in 2014:

So fashion.

[Images via Netease, People's Daily]