In a country prone to social taboos, tattoos have become the latest summer fashion accessory on the streets of Beijing and Shanghai. For the moment the fashion-conscious Chinese are preferring the temporary variety, reflecting the degree of suspicion with which body art is still regarded in China. A tattoo tends to have a violent meaning, so people keep them covered up. With this in mind, China's new breed of tattoo artists are looking to provide works with a different twist.
Some designs are fragrant, with the smell lasting for some weeks.
And the henna and ink designs at Ji Pin only lasted a couple of weeks as Beijingers took to them with gusto. There are also many college students. The most popular design among women is a scorpion, with butterflies and flowers also favoured. Men tend to go for more abstract designs symbolising power, strength and sexual appeal. Dragons are high on the list.