Nude bathing is nothing new for people living around Yuping Mountain, where a nude bathing spot is making a high-profile comeback after it was closed six years ago.

Nude bathing has evolved from a worship ceremony into a tradition at Yuping Mountain's nude bathing spot. According to a famous legend, a beautiful young woman name Lu Wan was held by robbers one day. To defend her virginity, she resolutely jumped off Mozigou's Feishui Waterfall and disappeared. Not knowing whether she was alive or dead, people came to bathe in nude to pay their respect to the eminent lady.

"Because of this beautiful tradition, we don't feel many objections from locals to reopen this nude bathing place," says Li Jun, who directs the Yuping Mountain Scenic Area in Hongya County of Sichuan Province. "We have strict measures to protect bathers' privacy. Photography and recording are not permitted."

Yushui Valley, the 1-kilometer-long nude bathing area that opened Saturday, is naturally divided by sinuous hills, separating man's area from the woman's.

Li said the spot aims to provide people a place to enjoy both nature and the beautiful scenery. But opponents argue that nudity is "uncivil" in a public place, especially at a scenic spot. Some say it is just an advertising trick.

Supporters say nude bathing is a good way to feel nature and relax and wonder why some people are reacting so strongly.

Moderates say this is a new recreational option that, if well managed, will be a good way to relax. But if not, problems will arise, like people using it for sexual purposes.

The Yushui Valley nude bathing area, which first opened in 2002, was ordered by related departments to close for "not conforming to the cultural and ideological progress."

(China.org.cn by Zhang Yunxing June 9, 2009)